Fortress KasStad?

United's excellent home form since the appointment of Ian Atkins continued today at the expense of Swansea City. United came from behind to win 2-1, with all the goals coming in the first half. Jonathan Coates gave the visitors the lead in the 11th minute when he latched onto a through ball and rounded Ian McCaldon. Parity was restored in the 16th minute when Paul Moody headed home a Paul Powell corner. Andy Scott then latched on to a long clearance from McCaldon to shoot past Roger Freestone just after the half hour mark.

United made two changes from the side that lost at Shrewsbury on Tuesday. Dave Morley came into the center of defence in place of Matthew Bound, whose loan deal contained an agreement that he wouldn't play against the Swans. In midfield Robert Quinn came in for the suspended Dave Savage. At half-time Scott Guyett replaced Jon Richardson, who had picked up a knock, and United changed to five at the back, with Sam Stockely and Paul Powell becoming wing-backs. However this system clearly left the Us exposed in midfield and Ian Atkins replaced Stockley with Paul Tait, making his first appearance since September 6th, in the 64th minute and the side reverted to 4-4-2. Eight minutes later Phil Gray came on for the clearly knackered Moody, who had been suffering with 'flu all week.

Referee K D Hill was a very whistle happy chappy and constantly hindered any flowing football, especially in the second half. He booked Sam Ricketts for a reckless challenge. The attendance was a disappointing 5,934 (the third highest in the division) and a match report can be found here.

This result takes United above Swansea on goal difference into 14th position. United are now 11 points off the bottom and nine points from the final play-off position (currently occupied by Kidderminster). Oxford also climb above Orient, who suffered an incredible 6-1 defeat at second bottom Carlisle United. Bottom team Halifax drew 0-0 at Exeter whilst top of the table Plymouth beat Hull 1-0. United's next opponents, Rochdale, won 1-0 at Macclesfield to go fifth. Luton drew 1-1 at Cheltenham.