Carabao Cup – Round 1:

Swansea City 3 - Northampton Town 1

Andre Ayew came off the bench and grabbed two late goals to inspire Swansea City to victory against League Two Northampton Town at the Liberty Stadium.

After a poor first half, the visitors took the lead on the hour mark as Matt Warburton drilled into the far corner to stun the Swans fans.

Swans boss Steve Cooper acted immediately by throwing on Ayew, replacing Kristoffer Peterson, and his bold decision worked a treat.

Ayew has not played for the Swans for 15 months, but he soon made up for lost time, scoring two terrific headers to bail the Swans out of trouble.

Incredibly the Swans grabbed three goals in a superb purple seven minutes spell, Ayew nodded home the equaliser and minutes later midfielder George Byers drilled in from the edge of the box to give the Swans the lead.

Ayew added a late third from a corner to seal the Swans’ fate, as the fightback was well and truly complete.

There were some pleasing debutant performances for the Swans as 19 year old centre back Ben Wilmot looked solid at the back, also 19 year old Ben Cabango also impressive alongside teammate Wilmot.

Substitute Jordon Garrick, 21, only on the pitch for 18 minutes but he terrorized the Cobblers down the right wing after coming on and helped change the course of the game. Tricky Garrick was denied by David Cornell, had he scored it would have given him his dream start at senior level.

Kees de Boer came on late in the match and replaced Yan Dhanda in central midfield, the former Ajax academy man had little time to impress but showed some neat touches during his cameo role that will have done his confidence the power of good.

Steve Cooper spoke shortly afterwards. "It was a very pleasing performance.

"Andre grabbed two goals in 30 minutes and he is extremely motivated. He's come back from international duty in great shape."

Swansea City have been handed a home tie against Cambridge United in the Carabao Cup second round, the latter beat Brentford in round one on penalties. This cup tie will take place in the week beginning August 26. 

Swansea City: Kristoffer Nordfeldt; Kyle Naughton (captain), Ben Cabango, Ben Wilmot, Declan John; Yan Dhanda (Kees de Boer 88), George Byers; Wayne Routledge, Barrie McKay (Jordan Garrick 72), Kristoffer Peterson (Andre Ayew 62); Sam Surridge.

Substitutes not used: Erwin Mulder, Tivonge Rushesha, Brandon Cooper, Liam Cullen.

Northampton Town: David Cornell, Jordan Turnbull, Sam Hoskins, Ryan Watson (captain), Andy Williams (Harry Smith 65), Jay Williams, Scott Wharton, Shaun McWilliams, Matt Warburton (Morgan Roberts 78), Billy Waters (Chris Lines 64), Joe Bunney.

Substitutes not used: Scott Pollock, Vadaine Oliver, Junior Morias, Brad Lashley.

Referee: Kevin Johnson.

Assistants: Kevin Morris & Steven Plane.

Fourth Official: Richard Morris.