Match Report: Swindon Town 1-1 Leyton Orient

By Alfie Howlett - 17 August 2022

Clubs & ActivitiesSport

A match report from Swindon Link's STFC correspondent Alfie Howlett.

Swindon held their own against early league leaders Leyton Orient as they earned a point on a damp Tuesday night. With both sides scoring in the opening ten minutes Harry McKirdy's first strike of the season was cancelled out three minutes later by Paul Smyth's equaliser.

Swindon's first mid-week fixture of the season brought former manager Richie Wellens to the County Ground. Wellens Orient side had won their first three games of the season. Former players Lawrence Vigouroux and Rob Hunt also lined up for the opposition. After scoring their first goal of the season on Saturday Swindon came into the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw with Carlisle.

The match got off to a captivating start with both sides looking threatening. The first highlight came three minutes in when Theo Archibald's low long range effort sailed comfortably down Brynn's throat. Swindon would respond by opening the scoring for the evening.

After Louis Reed intercepted Lawrence Vigouroux's clearance Saidou Khan turned Darren Pratley in midfield. Khan then played an excellent through ball to Jacob Wakeling who squared to Harry McKirdy to tap into an empty net.

The visitors would reply almost instantly as they caught Swindon asleep at the back. Theo Archibald was given too much time to make his way into the box and pick out Smyth at the back post. Smyth, who had lost his marker, was afforded all the space in the world to tap home Archibald's cross past the diving Brynn.

For the next period Leyton Orient would dominate the chances although Swindon appeared threatening with Jacob Wakeling running in behind Omar Beckles. On 18 minutes Paul Smyth threatened to get his and Orient's second when he dragged a low left footed effort wide of the post. Swindon appeared open as Orient often had too much room to take on a shot. Six minutes later Brynn was on hand to deny Idris El Mizouni's powerful attempt.

Town would respond from the half hour mark with their own period of possession. And just shy of 40 minutes they were almost rewarded with a goal. Some impressive footwork from Harry McKirdy resulted in Ben Gladwin receiving the ball 23 yards out.

After working the room for the shot Gladwin’s curling effort narrowly evaded the post. Before the interval Sol Brynn was required to tip George Moncur's strike around the post for a corner. The two sides went in level in what was a thoroughly entertaining half.

The second half saw Swindon start brightly as they won an early corner. New recruit Frazer Blake-Tracey could only find the arms of Lawrence Vigouroux with his back post header. Following the corner a Leyton Orient counter attack was superbly intervened with the recovery tackle of Saidou Khan.

With 70 minutes Brynn again got down well to prevent Moncur's powerful effort. Five minutes later a George Moncur free kick from a tight angle was well beaten away by Brynn. However the game would draw to a close with both sides sharing the spoils.

Overall it was a good point for Town, with the first half an entertaining watch. The second half didn't quite match the heights of the first but nonetheless it was a good defensive shift.

Swindon certainly appear to be getting better with each game. Up next is a home game against bottom of the league Rochdale on Saturday 20 August.  

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