SWINDON Town head coach Luke Williams conceded that Swansea City were a cut above his side last night after they slipped to a third successive pre-season defeat when the Premier League outfit cruised to a comfortable 3-0 victory at the County Ground.

Town were never totally outclassed by their illustrious opposition and contained Francesco Guidolin’s troops for 45 minutes but following an influx of half-time substitutes, the Swans’ quality soon began to shine through.

Andre Ayew needed just five minutes after his introduction to break the deadlock with a fine low strike, while Jay Fulton’s header shortly afterwards ended Town’s hopes. Modou Barrow then added a third for the visitors 20 minutes from time.

Following previous defeats to Reading and Woking, this result means Town have been beaten in all of their friendlies since returning from a pre-season camp in Ireland.

Williams said: “I think we did very well in the first half in particular. When you are playing against such good players and they make nine changes, nine more Premier League players coming on at half-time and fresh, it’s very, very difficult.

“I think probably it was just out of our reach to compete. With three at the back, we can see there are too many gaps.

“When you are playing against players with this range of passing, this calmness under pressure, the pace to get on the end of things and to be able to run into the box and still be composed enough to finish, that’s why these guys are playing at the very, very top.”