Bristol City progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup as Sam Bell’s extra-time goal secured a 2-1 replay win at Swansea City.
Mark Sykes headed Bristol City ahead only for Ollie Cooper to set up the extra 30 minutes when he scored with his first touch.
Swansea had a chance of triumphing, but it was the night of the Bell academy product.
The 20-year-old ran almost halfway to score a memorable first senior goal for the hometown club.
Bell’s intervention a second straight win for Bristol City, a welcome boost after a run of just one win from 12 matches in all competitions.
Swansea had lost just once in four games before – against Championship leaders Burnley – but saw any hopes of a cup run dashed as they failed to seize their chance.
While the Welsh club will focus for the remainder of the season on the play-offs, Robins can expect a draw at home to West Bromwich Albion later this month.
Swansea lost their failure to win that tie at Ashton Gate nine days ago after dominating the first half, although Antoine Semenyo rightly canceled out Joel Piroe’s goal to set up the replay.
While Russell Martin made seven changes for a game he thought Swansea could have done without, Nigel Pearson kept faith in the Bristol City side which started in the league last weekend – and were eventually rewarded .
It was hard to tell which of the bosses shuffled his pack in an even first half where chances were scarce.
Olivier Ntcham had the only shot on target, a drive from 20 yards out which was recovered by Max O’Leary, although the Bristol City goalkeeper reacted quickly to prevent an own goal when Zak Vyner sliced towards his own net.
The visitors’ first chance came when the ball ricocheted off Semenyo early in the second half – only for the Ghana international to cut wide.
Swansea responded, Joel Latibeaudiere forcing a sprawling save from O’Leary before Piroe fired a shot in the face.
The hosts were putting real pressure on for the first time when Bristol City took the lead, Joe Williams taking possession and feeding fellow substitute Bell.
He fed a pass for Sykes, who got the ball well before Swansea goalkeeper Andy Fisher and netted his third goal in two games.
Suddenly the game opened up, with Williams crashing gently into Fisher’s arms before Swansea equalized when Matt Grimes’ cross hit the far post and Cooper, who had been on the pitch for seconds, found himself with the simple task of walking sideways. report.
Swansea went close in extra time thanks to an unnecessary header from Luke Cundle and a volley from Ryan Manning which was cleared by O’Leary.
Then came Bell’s big moment, his pace taking him away from Ben Cabango before he cut inside and fired high into the net.
