The Under-21s continued their pre-season programme with a narrow 1-0 defeat against Cliftonville at Solitude.
The game was arranged as part of the deal that brought Rory Donnelly to the Liberty Stadium back in January, with the Northern Irishman in the starting line-up against his former club.
The home side began well and took the lead inside 10 minutes when Liam Boyce lashed home from a tight angle.
The Swans, who had David Cornell to thank for keeping them in the game with a string of fine saves, came closest in the opening period as Gwion Edwards spurned a good chance when one-on-one with the keeper.
On a sunny and warm evening in Belfast, Cliftonville made the brighter start and created the game’s first chance after six minutes as midfielder George McMullan dragged his shot wide of the right-hand post.
However, their application was rewarded just three minutes later as they took the lead with a stunning goal.
Striker Liam Boyce was sent clear down the right channel and as he collected the ball he produced an unstoppable shot from a tight angle that gave David Cornell no chance in the visitors’ goal.
The Swans, under the guidance of coach Kristian O'Leary replied with Reds defender Jaimie McGovern poking wide of his own goal from James Loveridge’s teasing cross, before Daniel Alfei hit the post after seeing a corner fall at his feet.
Cliftonville had chances to double their lead as Boyce planted a firm header against the post with Cornell beaten, and the striker again caused havoc in the Swans back four as he forced the keeper into a smart save.
Towards the end of the half Kris O’Leary’s men got a foothold in the match and came closest to equalising through Gwion Edwards.
The young winger cut inside on 33 minutes before shooting inches wide of the top right-hand corner, before he was played in by a cute pass from Henry Jones and forcing Conor Devlin into a good stop.
Half-time: Cliftonville 1 Swans 0
The lively Liam Boyce was withdrawn at half-time by Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin and his replacement, Joe Gormley, wasted no time in making an impression.
The striker, who scored over 60 goals in the Northern Ireland amateur leagues two seasons ago, forced David Cornell into a fine stop on 56 minutes as the home side looked to extend their lead.
Indeed, it was Cornell who was by far the busier keeper and he had to be on his toes once more just moments later as he kept out Gormley’s powerful drive.
Gormley was again involved as he poked wide from inside the box on 63 minutes. He had yet another chance with 15 minutes to play, but he couldn’t beat the keeper as he was spurned again by Cornell.
It was now becoming a personal duel between the two players and with eight minutes left on the clock Cornell came out on top once more as Gormley shot straight at him after being put through by Ryan Catney.
The home side had a golden chance to finish the game off in the closing stages, but substitute Darren Stuart somehow missed an open goal from four yards.
SWANS: David Cornell, Sam Evans, Scott Tancock, Daniel Alfei, Luke Llewellyn, Kurtis March (Nathan Waters, 61), Henry Jones (Alex Bray, 79), Josh Sheehan, Gwion Edwards, James Loveridge, Rory Donnelly. Subs: Oliver Davies, Alex Samuel, Joseph Jones, Kurtis March, Tom Ateyo.
CLIFTONVILLE: Conor Devlin, Tomas Cosgrove, Eamonn Seydak, Barry Johnston (Emmett Templeton, 54), Barry Holland, Jaimie McGovern (Dermot McVeigh, 68), Ryan Catney, George McMullan (Jody Lynch, 54), Diarmuid O’Carroll, Liam Boyce (Joe Gormley, ht), Martin Donnelly. Subs: Ryan Brown, Darren Stuart, Marc Smyth.