17 September 2011 - Better Late Than Never For Swansea

On 17 September 2011, Premier League debutants Swansea City became the final team across the top four divisions of English football to score a goal that season.

Playing in their first-ever Premier League season (and their first one in the top flight since 1983), the Swans had gone scoreless in their first four matches, getting draws with Wigan and Sunderland in between losses to Manchester City and Arsenal.

By the time they hosted West Brom at Liberty Stadium for their fifth match, Swansea were the only team across the Premier League, the Championship, League One, and League Two--a combined 92 teams in all--without a goal to their name.

That changed quickly against West Brom, with Swansea forward Scott Sinclair (pictured) delivering from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. It was the first goal scored by a Welsh team in the English top flight since Swansea's Bob Latchford netted at Old Trafford in May 1983. But they didn't stop there, as Leroy Lita extended Swansea's lead in the 24th minute, then Nathan Dyer added a third in the 49th to cap the 3-0 victory.

Swansea went on to pull a double over West Brom that season en route to an impressive 11th-place finish the final table.

5 April 2009 - He Must Not Be A Vengeful Man

On 5 April 2009, a Cardiff supporter hit referee Mike Dean with a coin during a match with Swansea. And he still awarded them a late penalty.

The match was the third South Wales derby of the season, with Swansea winning 1-0 in the League Cup in September, then drawing 2-2 at home in November. Bit matches went off without any problem, but Swansea fans clashed with police after the League Cup match, resulting in eight arrests.

When the teams met again in April at Ninian Park, it was the home supporters' turn to get into trouble. Just before the break, with Swansea leading (Nathan Dyer, 11'), a Cardiff supporter in the stands threw a coin a Dean, striking him in the face above his right eye. It drew blood and raised a large welt, but Dean was able to continue after brief treatment.

Cardiff drew level in the second half (Michael Chopra, 54'), then fell behind again after a late goal from Joe Allen (88'). But as the game moved into injury time, Dean awarded a penalty to Cardiff for an Ashley Williams foul on Ross McCormack. McCormack converted the ensuing kick to earn a 2-2 draw.

Police later identified the coin-throwing culprit, who was banned for life from any Cardiff matches.

17 September 2011 - Better Late Than Never For Swansea

On 17 September 2011, Premier League debutants Swansea City became the final team across the top four divisions of English football to score a goal that season.

Playing in their first-ever Premier League season (and their first one in the top flight since 1983), the Swans had gone scoreless in their first four matches, getting draws with Wigan and Sunderland in between losses to Manchester City and Arsenal.

By the time they hosted West Brom at Liberty Stadium for their fifth match, Swansea were the only team across the Premier League, the Championship, League One, and League Two--a combined 92 teams in all--without a goal to their name.

That changed quickly against West Brom, with Swansea forward Scott Sinclair (pictured) delivering from the penalty spot in the 14th minute. It was the first goal scored by a Welsh team in the English top flight since Swansea's Bob Latchford netted at Old Trafford in May 1983. But they didn't stop there, as Leroy Lita extended Swansea's lead in the 24th minute, then Nathan Dyer added a third in the 49th to cap the 3-0 victory.

Swansea went on to pull a double over West Brom that season en route to an impressive 11th-place finish the final table.