Swindon Town – The season so far

By Staff Reporter - 12 October 2017

Sport

Following relegation to League Two, many Swindon fans might have thought that things could only get better this year. With a new manager in charge – and the debacle of the Tim Sherwood ‘era’ behind them - a confidence-boosting season ending with promotion would have been what many at the club would have hoped for. Unfortunately for everyone at the County Ground it has not exactly been a dream start. David Flitcroft has begun to blend in a number of new players to a side that have looked good – in parts - but with over a quarter of the season already gone, can Swindon still have realistic plans for promotion? Mixed Bag A quick glance at the league table tells you all you really need to know about the start Swindon have made to the season. The very epitome of mid table form has seen them win six of their first twelve games while losing five. The Robins have also almost let in as many as they have scored. Only once have they managed to win more than one game in a row and it is that lack of consistency that must frustrate Flitcroft more than anything. They started as one of the favourites to go back up to League One but that inconsistency means the bookmakers are less confident at this admittedly early stage of the campaign. Off to a Flyer Unbeaten for the first three games of the season with an impressive away victory at Carlisle followed by a draw against Exeter and another win away at Morecambe, Swindon actually topped the table briefly. But two heavy defeats at home to Crawley and Barnet (both teams not exactly troubling the top of the division) and a pattern for the season seemed to be set. Since then there have been further impressive victories coupled with regular defeats that sees Swindon nestled in the middle of the division and not looking like the promotion favourites that many had them down as in the summer. Close Run Thing But a closer look at the league table shows that the top half of the division are only separated by a few points and with a couple of victories Swindon would be comfortably in the playoff zone. That said, back-to-back defeats could see them plunge further down the table and with a side that looks like it needs a boost of confidence that could spell danger for David Flitcroft’s men. Stand Out Players Striker Luke Norris is the obvious candidate for player of the season so far with seven goals already but Flitcroft will be pleased at how the rest of the team have contributed to the goals tally. Paul Mullin has weighed in with four of his own while Crystal Palace loanee Keshi Anderson has also scored a couple. At the other end of the pitch Flitcroft has been forced to chop and change due to a string of injuries but finally seems happy with the defensive pairing of Olly Lancashire and new boy Matt Preston. If they can continue that teamwork in the weeks ahead then it is likely that there will be a few more clean sheets to enjoy. Local Derbies One thing that a drop in division has brought the Robins is a couple of new local derbies to enjoy. There has already been a trip to the eco-friendly New Lawn to play EFL new boys Forest Green Rovers. Two late goals – including a last minute effort from Matt Taylor – gave Swindon all three points that day. But it was Swindon’s turn to concede late on against Cheltenham when what seemed to be a hard fought draw was turned into a defeat thanks to a goal deep in injury time. Much to Look Forward To Although David Flitcroft would have hoped to be higher up the league at this stage in the season, his new players have started to settle in and he seems more comfortable with his selection now. Further consistency is needed if Swindon are to mount a promotion challenge this season but that is definitely achievable and the club still have a very good chance of returning to League One at the first attempt.

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