Patino strike secures late point for Swansea
Charlie Patino’s stoppage-time equaliser earned Swansea City a late 1-1 EFL Championship draw with fellow struggler Huddersfield Town.
The Terriers looked on course for back-to-back wins for the first time under Darren Moore after defender Ben Cabango turned into his own net from Jaheim Headley’s cross in the third minute.
The Swans dominated after that early setback and created numerous openings, with Jay Fulton, Yannick Bolasie, Harry Darling and Cabango among those to have chances.
Eventually Arsenal loanee Patino slotted home in the fourth minute of second-half stoppage-time to nick the Swans a point in dramatic fashion.
The Terriers made a dream start as Headley capitalised on Matt Grimes’s error before charging up the left flank and his somewhat speculative cross was turned into his own net by Cabango.
It swiftly set the tone for the remainder of the contest as Swansea dominated possession, although Cabango and Jamie Paterson were both unable to hit the target as Chris Maxwell was untested.
Liam Walsh – making his first start of the season – drilled straight at goalkeeper Maxwell from 25 yards out to register the game’s first shot on target in the 33rd minute, such had been the lack of attacking quality on show.
Huddersfield desperately struggled to get out of its own half and when it was presented with a decent opening, Sorba Thomas’s free-kick was comfortably gathered by Carl Rushworth.
Fulton’s shot was well smothered by Maxwell after slick play between Walsh and Paterson, but the Terriers almost doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time completely against the run of play when Headley crossed to Danny Ward, although the striker headed straight at Rushworth.
Michael Duff made a triple change at the break, with Bolasie replacing Liam Cullen to make his home debut, while Jerry Yates and Darling came on for Bashir Humphreys and Kyle Naughton respectively.
The hosts instantly carried a greater threat, with Yates unable to get a shot away after intercepting Yuta Nakayama’s loose pass.
Bolasie then took down Grimes’s crossfield pass on his chest before unleashing a volley over as Swansea continued to boss proceedings.
Duff could have been forgiven for fearing the worst when Matty Pearson was fortunate not to turn Jamal Lowe’s cross into his own goal, and Bolasie’s drilled effort was then deflected wide.
Darling headed over before his swerving strike was kept out by the legs of Maxwell as Huddersfield’s rearguard was tested to the limit.
Grimes and Patino had tame efforts either side of substitute Delano Burgzorg’s chance in the final stages.
But Swansea broke Huddersfield hearts in added time as Patino coolly slotted the ball beyond Maxwell to make it 1-1.
Swansea could have won it a minute later, although Darling header over as the points were shared, with Duff’s side now winless in five games.
