Match Report: Swindon Town 3-1 Plymouth Argyle

Swindon enter the new season in high spirits after impressive pre-season showing

Three second half goals from new signing Dan Kemp, Rushian Hepburn-Murphy, and Jacob Wakeling saw Town run out comfortable winners over Championship outfit Plymouth Argyle.

In his first game in the home dugout at The County Ground, boss Michael Flynn named what looks like his first choice eleven with just the one trialist starting for Swindon. The Robins set up in a 3-5-2 formation with wing backs Remeao Hutton and Trialist A having license to push forward. On the other side Plymouth boasted a former Swindon fan favourite in Kaine Kesler-Hayden lining up at right back.

Despite Plymouth having the Lion’s share of possession inside the first 5 minutes, Swindon soon settled into the contest as they dictated the tempo for the next 15 minutes. However, neither side would have a sight of goal until the 23^rd minute. Swindon’s new shot stopper, Murphy Mahoney, was on hand to deny a low close range Callum Wright effort which was destined for the bottom corner. Argyle then came close to opening the scoring 4 minutes later when Bali Mumba broke into the box only to sting the side netting with his venomous shot.  The Robins only shot on target of the half came on the 37^th minute when Charlie Austin’s long range effort was comfortably saved by the Plymouth keeper.

The half time whistle went bringing a close to a promising half for Town in which they had more than held their own against Championship opposition.

12 minutes into the 2^nd half Swindon opened the scoring with new signing Dan Kemp spectacularly introducing himself to the Town faithful. A Swindon corner was hit deep all the way to Kemp on the edge of the box who was primmed and ready to ferociously volley home. Swindon seized the momentum as they went on to double their advantage moments later when the impressive Hepburn-Murphy latched onto Hutton’s through ball to calmly finish 1v1.

Plymouth halved the deficit 20 minutes from time when Morgan Whittaker cut onto his left foot from range and found the far corner with pinpoint accuracy. However, Swindon restored their 2-goal advantage 3 minutes shy of full time when Jacob Wakeling chased down a ball over the Argyle backline and slotted past the goalkeeper.

The score line finished 3-1 to Town giving both players and fans a confidence boost going into the season opener at Colchester on the 5^th of August.