Tony Pennock's first game in charge of Swansea City's young guns ended in a 3-1 friendly defeat at the hands of Merthyr Tydfil.

Kerry Morgan gave the visitors an early lead from the penalty spot but that goal was cancelled out by Dale Griffiths just before half-time. Merthyr pressed in the second-half and their determination was rewarded with two late goals from Marcus Griffiths and Craig Steins.

The Swans shot out of the blocks and took the lead with just two minutes on the clock, Kerry Morgan converting from the spot after a clumsy challenge on Keiran Howard.

Tony Pennock's youngsters had found it hard to break down a physical Martyrs defence but on 29 minutes it opened up for Kerry Morgan who came close to adding a second. A long clearance from Jamie Grimes was taken down well by Chris Jones just inside the opposition half, he found Keiran Howard who in turn set-up Morgan on a run across the box but the Merthyr-born youngster couldn't hit the target.

Merthyr had rarely threatened during the opening 45 minutes, despite having a few free-kicks in dangerous territory, but they did find a leveller three minutes before half-time. A corner from the left-hand side was headed back across goal and defender Dale Griffiths powered a free-header past Rhys Wilson to make it 1-1.

The home side came close to snatching the lead midway through the second-half as former Swan Craig Steins was played through on goal but he was denied by the legs of Rhys Wilson, and on 73 minutes he was through again but this time flashed his shot across the face of goal.

Merthyr's best chance of the game fell to Dean Clarke a minute later but from three-yards out he could only manage to lift it over the top of the bar.

Down at the other end, meanwhile, Keiran Howard latched on to James Burgin's ball forward, took it past the 'keeper but found the angle too narrow as he directed his shot wide of the post with just over 10 minutes remaining.

But it was the home side that had the final word with Marcus Griffiths sliding the ball underneath Wilson from close-range with two minutes to go and Craig Steins adding a third in the final minute after going one-on-one with the Wales Under-17 international stopper.

Swans XI: Rhys Wilson; Daniel Sheehan, Steven Berry (Daniel Alfei, 56'), Jamie Grimes, James Burgin, Jaz Richards, Dion Chambers (Adam Orme, 76'), Anthony Finselbach (Lee Lucas, 76'), Keiran Howard, Kerry Morgan (Joe Harris, 61'), Chris Jones (Casey Thomas, 61').

Not Used: Tony Pennock (GK).

Pictures from www.merthyrfootball.co.uk