Match report: Swindon Town 0 - 1 Stockport County

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

Yet another reckless red card defined the destiny of a Swindon game as Town fell 1-0 to promotion chasing Stockport County.

Just seconds into the contest Jacob Wakeling was treated to an incredibly early bath when he bundled down his man inside the box. After Brynn saved the resulting penalty, Swindon held firm as they fought hard for a point. However, their resistance was finally broken ten minutes from time with Stockport adding a further nail into Swindon's 2022-23 coffin.

After scoring inside the first minute, earlier in the season, Jacob Wakeling found himself sent off in the first minute on Saturday. A Connor Evans through ball found the onrushing Kyle Knoyle inside the box.

Wrong side of his man, Wakeling brought down the former Swindon man, gifting the visitors an opportunity to open the scoring from the spot. However, the usually clinical Paddy Madden would faulter, after a stuttering run up Brynn saved the tame spot kick from the Stockport number 9.

Seconds later Swindon had their own case for a penalty when Rushian Hepburn-Murphy was dragged down inside the box. But, the referee was in no mood to satisfy as he waved away the appeal and booked Hepburn-Murphy for simulation.

With the initial game plan in tatters, Swindon formed a makeshift back 3 of Tomlinson, Blake-Tracey, and Brewitt. They were first tested on the 10 minute mark when Akil Wright's dangerous cross from the right wing was headed narrowly over the bar by Kyle Wootton. Four minutes later, Callum Camps fired high and wide into the Stratton Bank from range.

Despite Stockport having the majority of the ball, Swindon protected their goal incredibly well and as a result got to half time level pegging. The sending off had however hampered Swindon’s attacking threat, with Town unable to build any spells of pressure. In truth they were just playing for moments.

With Stockport holding all of the cards, The Hatters attempted to up the ante in the second half. Five minutes in, Ryan Croasdale stung the palms of Sol Brynn with a fierce effort from outside the box. The minutes continued to tick by with a spirited Swindon holding firm.

On 71 minutes the ball fell kindly to Kyle Wootton inside the box, however the striker failed to capitalise as Brynn comfortably collected his soft strike. Finally, with 10 minutes to go, Stockport's endeavors were finally rewarded as they struck with a blistering counter attack. Ryan Rydel took full advantage as he sprinted into acres of space on the left wing, after breaking into the box he cut the ball back to Croasdale who finished brilliantly leaving Brynn with no chance.

In the remaining minutes Swindon were unable to conjure up an opportunity. Instead Stockport came closest to doubling their advantage when an unmarked Kyle Wootton headed just inches wide. It finished Swindon 0-1 Stockport County.

Swindon's season therefore continues to head towards mid-table mediocrity thanks to another poor result at The County Ground. However, down to ten men for all be it 90 minutes I'm unable to criticise Swindon. The returning Blake-Tracey put it a herioc performance, Tom Brewitt continued to impress with another commanding display, and I'm simply running out of superlatives to describe Sol Brynn.

In my opinion, I also deserve an honorable mention for not mentioning any aspect of what was the most incompetent officiating performance of the season - and there's some stern competition. Next up for Swindon is a trip to Hartlepool.