Living De Vita Loca: Swindon Knock Bristol City Out Of The Carling Cup

Swindon produced an upset to progress to the second round of the Carling Cup for only the second time in the last fourteen years after an impressive 1-0 win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

The decisive goal arrived deep into the second half with substitute Raffale De Vita's powerful header sealing a deserved victory for the visitors, who had dominated the match for large periods of play against their mediocre hosts.

Paolo Di Canio's quest to find a winning formula looks to finally be over as he changed his starting line-up for the fifth match in succession. Etienne Esajas and De Vita lost their places within the side that narrowly lost out to Oxford at the weekend, with Lander Gabilondo and Alan Connell the lucky benefactors this time from Di Canio's willingness to chop and change.

It was the visitors who were quickest out of the blocks, visibly eager to benefit from City's slow start to the season and they almost enjoyed the dream start when Jonathan Smith found Matt Ritchie unmarked with a left wing cross. Despite beating the offside trap and looking odds-on to score, Ritchie completely fluffed his lines and saw his scuffed effort drift wide of the post.

Just minutes later, Leon Clarke - so impressive on his debut at the weekend - was next to squander a good opportunity, after seeing his first time effort from Callum Kennedy's cross well blocked by City defender Lewin Nyatanga.

Despite a dominant opening twenty minutes, Town nearly found themselves behind as the hosts registered their first shot of the game. City's on-loan West Ham defender Jordan Spence made space for himself before floating his striker over Phil Smith's cross bar.

Ritchie looked back his best at the weekend and was seemingly carrying that form through to the cup game, proving to be a menace on the right for the visitors. The impressive winger was allowed time and space on two occasions before half time, shooting from distance both times but saw City 'keeper Dean Gerken - starting ahead of England international David James - equal to his efforts.

Bristol City manager Keith Millen was clearly disappointed with his sides' first half performance and produced two substitutions upon the beginning of the second 45 minute period, bringing James on for a bemused Gerken and replacing Jamal Campbell-Ryce with Albert Adomah. Swindon boss Di Canio, meanwhile, addressed an apparent Connell injury by bringing De Vita on in place of the striker.

As expected, the hosts started the half the brighter side with Adomah almost making an immediate impact, playing in Neil Kilkenny, who was unlucky to see his low drive grasped by the hands of Swindon custodian Smith.

After that, the visitors found their feet again and began to enjoy the better of the game. It took, however, 20 second half minutes for League Two Town to test substitute 'keeper James; A dangerous Kennedy free kick into the area bounced fortuitously into the path of De Vita, but the Italian's striker was gathered up by James at the second attempt.

De Vita soon made amends for his earlier miss by heading Town into what was a deserved lead after seventy minutes of action. Simon Ferry - clearly rejuvinated upon his return to the starting line-up in the last two games - found Gabilondo with an excellent pass and although the Spaniard's initial cross was blocked, he drove the rebound into the box where De Vita was able to guide a powerful header past an ailing James.

After finally taking the lead though, Swindon almost saw their advantage wiped out on two seperate occasions as first Adomah forced Smith into a diving save before Bret Pitman's deflected effort drifted dangerously over the bar. That, however, proved to be the last sight of goal the hosts would have and, with the sounding of the final whistle being greeted by the cheers of 1,400 jubilant away fans, who will now have their eyes on a second round home tie against Championship leaders Southampton.

New Signings Clarke And Magera To Lead The Line?

Scoring goals in football is absolutely crucial. Whether it's last minute winners that send supporters into elations and jubilance or mere consolations to aid a club's goal difference come the end of the season, football is a game won and lost on goals.

A significant factor in Swindon's eventual relegation saw them score just 50 goals in a 46 game season. Scorer of twelve of those goals Charlie Austin left in January and as a result, Town managed only thirteen goals from then until the end of the season.

And whilst Town have thus far managed four goals from four league games, all but one of those came in the opening game of the season and, what's more, none have been scored by a Swindon striker. That means despite the combined efforts of Rafaelle De Vita, Alan Connell, Billy Bodin and Mehdi Kerrouche, all are yet to appear on the scoresheet for Swindon.

Indeed each of the strikers' respective goalscoring records at Swindon and their previous clubs are questionable. Originally a trainee at Blackburn, De Vita failed to make a first team appearance at Ewood Park but seemingly found his level whilst at Livingston, scoring 21 goals in 67 games over a two year period.

The most experienced of the bunch, Connell managed only the second double figures goalscoring season in his eleven year career whilst with Grimsby and yet, despite having only featured in substitute appearances thus far with Town, has looked the most likely to score out of the Robins' current crop of strikers.

Meanwhile, Bodin's youth and inexperience has seen him play just five times for the Town first team and whilst it would be unfair to judge him  on statistics alone, the youngster has looked unlikely to score and more destined for the left wing position he is often deployed to when playing for Swindon's reserves (last season) and the Wales under-21's.

Finally, Algerian striker Kerrouche has had a fairly modest career to date, with spells in the United Arab Emirates, Portugal and France scoring just a hatful of goals for each of the five clubs he has previously played for.

They say statistics don't lie and it seems Town manager Paolo Di Canio is a firm believer in such a cliche as his strikers' lack of goals and, visible in each of the Robins' four performances so far this season, a lack of a cutting edge up front,  have prompted him into dipping into the transfer market once more and reinforcing his striking options with the signings of two more forwards and, he hopes, goalscorers.

As far as transfer sagas go, Leon Clarke's on-off move to Swindon isn't in the same league as Cesc Fabregas' three year battle to leave Arsenal or even Chelsea's persistent pursuit of Luka Modric. And yet, when the striker finally completed his move to Town on Friday, the optimism surrounding his signing of a two-year contract was, perhaps not as high as that of Catalans jubilant at Fabregas' signing, but unusually high for a striker yet to fulfill his potential.

Clarke arrives at the County Ground having seen his contract at QPR cancelled as a result of their promotion to the Premiership and recent takeover. The 26 year old came up through the ranks at Wolverhampton Wanderers and even scored on his first team debut for them, but his career has since drfited from loan spell to loan spell with each of his only other permanent employers deeming him largely surplus to requirements.

Despite his obvious desire to join Town, Di Canio's move to sign Clarke was originally thwarted by the striker's wage demands, with the Italian even claiming that affording him whilst still under contract at QPR was nigh on impossible. His release from said contract following Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes' successful takeover of the West London club though has allowed him to join Swindon on a free transfer - a considerable coup for Town.

It's Clarke's decision, however, to drop from the promise land of the Premier League to the lows of League Two football that has surprised most. The lure of the 'Di Canio effect' seems to have finally surfaced and after making an impressive debut performance in the defeat to Oxford, Clarke looks increasingly likely to be Swindon's main man up front.

Watching that game from the stands was Town's second striking acquisition in the space of four days; Lukas Magera. The six foot, four inches hitman is a full Czech Republic international (yes Czech Republic, not the Togo's, Trinidad's or other international minnows Swindon have had players capped for) and played most recently for Romanian side Politehnica Timişoara, for whom he featured in Europa League action in 2009.

Magera's move to Swindon has seemingly stemmed from Poli's dire financial straits that has cost them their place in the Romanian top division, with Town benefitting from their inability to afford the Czech's contract by securing his services on a two year deal.

The arrivals of Magera and Clarke, meanwhile, are set to allow Billy Bodin a temporary move elsewhere, with the youngster requesting a loan opportunity in order to play first team football. And with Di Canio declaring his intent to further trim what is now a large squad, any of Swindon's goalless strikers could also be in the firing line, quite literally, if their form and the team's does not pick up.

Derby Day Despair For Di Canio

Swindon's underwhelming start to the new season continued as the Town failed to secure all three points for the third consecutive game, with Oxford securing the local bragging rights with victory at the County Ground for the first time in thirty eight years.

The heavily-anticipated visit by a similarly underperforming Oxford side looked to be the perfect opportunity to put points on the board after defeats at Cheltenham and Dagenham, but again defensive mistakes meant Swindon were left to rue missed opportunities and a lack of experience at the back.

The intense rivalry shared by these two was further ignited during the build up to the fixture as Town boss Paolo Di Canio naively suggested that Oxford striker James Constable had Swindon affiliations despite wearing the Yellow United shirt for a living.

And it was a first half brace from Constable that condemned Town to a derby day defeat in what was a fiery encounter at the County Ground on Sunday afternoon. The striker - currently the subject of interest and a bid from Luton Town - proved his worth with a well-taken double as the Robins were left to rue missed opportunities and defensive frailties at set pieces.

Despite seemingly being on top for large periods of the game, the hosts struggled to break down a resilient United defence led by the experience of 35-year old Michael Duberry - an indication of what Town have lacked for well over a year now.

It was, however, the visitors who made the brighter start, as Alfie Potter benefited from a hesitant Callum Kennedy before finding Lewis Guy with his cross, who saw Swindon 'keeper Phil Smith comfortably gather his tame eight-yeard effort.

Smith could do nothing to thwart United just minutes later though, as the Di Canio-labelled Swindon fan Constable powerfully headed home a Peter Leven corner unmarked before proceeding to kiss the Oxford badge in celebration as the visitors took a deserved lead.

Town reacted well to going behind, however, with debutant Leon Clarke and a revitalised Matt Ritchie both going close to equalising from long range, and the latter eventually did after twenty minutes. Despite being tightly man-marked by Oxford's Andy Whing, Swindon left back Kennedy found space to fire a pinpoint cross into the United box, with Ritchie meeting it with power and precision to give the hosts a quick-fire equaliser.

The goal both shell-shocked the U's and revitalised a previously shaky Town team as the visitors came under increasing pressure from a home side who were visibly growing in confidence. And with the impetus now firmly with them, the Robins might have gone in front just five minutes later, but Rafaelle De Vita could only divert a difficult chance over the bar.

Swindon continued to look the better team and were denied twice more before the half came to an end. First, Aden Flint's towering header across goal was dealt with by the impressive Duberry, before Ritchie unleashed another strike from range, but saw his shot fly just wide of the post as Town searched for another clear-cut opportunity.

A dominant period of play ended in disaster for the Robins though as Oxford won a dubious free kick ina  good area, with Leven promptly delivering a dangerous cross into the Town box, with Constable again the beneficiary as the ball ricocheted off of his chest and into the back of the net.

It was a cruel but unsuprising blow for the hosts who, despite controlling the half for large parts, paid the price for poor defensive work at set pieces - something Di Canio must address in the coming weeks.

The second half began like much of the first panned out, with Swindon again again in the ascendancy, yet with little to show for their efforts in terms of attempts on goal. The growing frustrations of Town fans and Di Canio alike were becoming more and more evident and ten minutes into the second half, the Italian - infamous for his fiery temperament - was sent to the stands for remonstrating with the assistant referee over an offside decision.

In a desperate bid to get back into the game and despite managing Town from the stands, Di Canio showed his true intentions of winning the game by bringing on a further two forwards in the form of Mehdi Kerrouche and Alan Connell. And it was the lively Kerrouche who was influential in set up Clarke as Swindon chased that elusive equaliser, with the Algerian striker controlling a Ritchie cross before poking it into the path of Clarke, but the debutant blasted over from eight-yeards out.

Town continued to huff and puff but Clarke's miss was looking increasingly pivotal as the match wore on and the forced withdrawal of the injured Kerrouche only further disrupting the hosts' already dwindling momentum.

New signing Lander Gabilondo was given the final fifteen minutes to get accustomed to the English game and he almost made an immediate an immediate impression, beating Whing on the left before cutting inside, only to see his shot well blocked with the Oxford defence once more showing their efficiency and resilience and maintaining United's lead.

Half chances fell to both Gabilondo and Connell late on but there was seemingly no way through a stubborn U's backline. The final whistle sounded soon after and whilst Oxford fans were jubilant, Town supporters are left to reflect on an underwhelming start to the season that has seen their team earn just three points from a possible twelve.

Whilst the majority of supporters understand that a changed team will not gel immediately, there are some tough challenges ahead for current side. Consecutive away games see Swindon travel first to Bristol City to face the Championship side in the resheduled Carling Cup first round tie before a strong Shrewsbury Town side host Town, with much needed wins looking likely to be hard to accumulate.

Still, Town fans remain optimistic with what is a strong looking squad, which can now boast internationals for Namibia, Ghana and following Lukas Magera's arrival yesterday, the Czech Republic. Despite the defeat, the performance on the pitch was encouraging for Swindon supporters and there are undoubtedly brighter things to come.

Same Old Swindon Slip To Dagenham Defeat

A lack of serious firepower up front. Struggling against the infamous physicality of the lower leagues. And the seemingly impossible task to get back into the game once going behind. All these are remnants of Swindon's fall from grace last season and their eventual relegation and yet, three games into the new season, it seems similar problems are hampering the club's progression on the field.

Following a demoralising 1-0 defeat to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, Paolo Di Canio's men travelled to London to face a Dagenham and Redbridge side in the midst of a mini injury crisis. With nine first team players currently in the treatment room, Dagenham were forced to include fringe players Richard Rose, Danny J Green and Alex Osborn in the first team squad.

But whilst the Daggers had to contend with a lengthy injury list, Swindon themselves faced their own problems - including a failure to deal with the long ball tactics deployed by the hosts - as they slipped to a second successive defeat on the road.

In response to the Cheltenham defeat, Di Canio made two changes to his starting line-up, drafting in Alberto Comazzi to replace Joe Devera whilst Etienne Esajas took Nathan Thompson's place on the right side of midfielder. Elsewhere within the team, Alan McCormack retained his place in the centre of midfield Di Canio's persistence in using Billy Bodin and Raffaele De Vita up front the only criticism uttered by Town fans pre-kick-off.

Much like the Crewe game, Swindon were slow out of the blocks with the hosts spurning a number of early first half chances. After a scrappy start to the clash, a long hopeful, Dagenham ball found its way through to Brian Woodall but the striker, making his full debut for the club, scuffed his effort weakly into the arms of Phil Smith. The hosts continued to enjoy the best of the opening quarter of an hour, though Woodall's effort remained the only clear cut chance they could muster.

The chance sparked the visitors into life, with Matt Ritchie and Esajas particularly lively down either wing. The latter went close on two occasions with deflected efforts, only to be denied by home 'keeper Chris Lewington, pushing both shots clear of any danger.

Just as the visitors looked to be finding their feet in the clash, they were disrupted as debutant Alberto Comazzi limped off injured, and with Town's only other recognised centre back Devera having missed out on a place on the bench, full back Paul Caddis was forced to slot into the centre of defence.

However, Dagenham failed to capitalise as Swindon failed to reshuffle efficiently, and it was Di Canio's side who went closest to breaking the deadlock as the first half drifted towards its conclusion. Firstly, De Vita saw his 20-yard shot tipped wide by the impressive Lewington after another good break from Esajas, before Oliver Risser nodded wide from eight yeards when he might have done better.

The game settled into a pattern with neither side able to create any clear-cut chances - Daggers frontman Woodall's failure to hit the target again an indication of this - before Mark Arber's slip allowed De Vita to latch onto a Risser pass only to be brought down in the box by Scott Doe. Much to the frustrations of Di Canio, however, referee Carl Berry waved away the penalty appeals instead allowing play to continue as the half came to an end.

The hosts began the second period well, and were inches away from being ahead just five minutes into it as Jon Nurse crossed to a busy Woodall, who poked his shot narroly wide under pressure from Nathan Thompson.

Di Canio introduced Alan Connell in place of Bodin soon after, and the striker gave the visitors a much-needed injection of energy and purpose, creating chances for McCormack and Aden Flint - both of whom sliced 18-yard volleys wide after knock-downs from the frontman. With Ritchie and Esajas increasingly busy on both flanks, Town seemingly wrestled control of the match, fashioning two more De Vita chances, though Lewington was again equal to anything the Swindon striker had to offer.

However, just as Swindon looked set to take the initiative, it was ripped away from them as Gavin Tomlin went down under a challenge from Caddis in the Town box, with referee Berry this time pointing to the spot. To the delight of the home faithful, Daggers skipper Arber made no mistake from the spot to put the hosts one up with twenty minutes remaining, and leave Di Canio's side with a tough ask to muscle their way back into the game.

Inevitably boosted by their advantage, the opening goal gave the Daggers the impetus and, following a neat passage of play down the right involving Nurse, Tomlin and Oliver Lee, might have done better from the resulting corner. After racing to the near post to meet Tomlin's set piece, Doe's header flashed just wide of the target - a warning that Swindon's eagerness to get an equaliser was leaving space at the back.

With seven minutes remaining, Town rediscovered some of their early second half form, going close to qualising as both Ritchie and Connell failed to properly connect to a deep Esajas cross, though it was eventually scrambled away by a resilient Dagenham defence. Swindon continued to press as the hosts' defending became increasingly desperate but that elusive cleat-cut chance and equaliser was not forthcoming, and they went down to their second 1-0 defeat in as many matches.

Whilst three points from the opening three games - including town away fixtures - is hardly catastrophic, the performances on the pitch have generally been poor and results have certainly been underwhelming and disheartening. Di Canio's persistence in overlooking his more experienced players has rightly earned him some criticism but how long will it be until the jeers that greeted the final whistle at Cheltenham and Dagenham turn into calls for the Italian's head?

Wasteful Swindon Suffer First Di Canio Defeat

Whilst Swindon made the perfect start to life in League Two seven days ago with a 3-0 home victory against Crewe Alexandra, the same couldn't be said again this week as manager Paolo Di Canio tasted defeat for the first time as he resided over the team's first away fixture of 2011/12.

The short trip to Cheltenham Town has seen Town come unstuck on numerous occasions in recent years - the most recent ending in a bitter 2-0 loss at Whaddon Road. And defeat was again the fate that Swindon sufferred as the similarly-nicknamed Robins ran out winners once more in what was a poor match for spectators.

Di Canio made two changes to the team that beat Crewe last week with Alan McCormack and Nathan Thompson replacing Jonathan Smith and Michael Timlin respectively. McCormack's inclusion at the expense of Smith was a like-for-like switch whilst Thompson, a right back by trade, was drafted in to play right wing with Matt Ritchie deployed to his more natural left midfield berth.

The opening exchanges saw Swindon start how they left off last week, taking control of the game and mustering several early chances. Both Billy Bodin and Oliver Risser powered goalwards and whilst the youngster's drive was well held by Cheltenham 'keeper Scott Brown, captain Risser's effort sailed over the bar. Just moments later, Town should have opened the scoring when Bodin's cross found Rafaelle De Vita who side-footed wide from close range.



A dominant but wasteful opening fifteen minutes for Swindon was capped off when Alan McCormack, clearly eager to impress on his Town debut, drove a fine effort from the edge of the box against Brown's right hand post. The combative midfielder's disappointment at not scoring was soon evident as a tired and sloppy challenge on Cheltenham's Russ Penn saw the Irishman booked.

The visitors were nearly made to rue those early missed chances as Cheltenham finally settled into the game after half an hour of action. A mistake from Callum Kennedy at left back let in Marlon Pack with the midfielder crossing for former Town striker Kaid Mohammed whose shot drifted narrowly wide. With the momentum now with them, the home side recieved their first booking of the game with Pack's name taken by the referee after a lunge on McCormack.

Cheltenham's new found momentum then saw them go close on two more occasions. First a curling Danny Andrew free kick was desperately tipped by Smith beyon his own post before centre back Alan Bennett's powerful header forced a good save out of the Swindon 'keeper, who again impressed in the absence of number one Mattia Lanzano.

With half time fast approaching, however, Swindon fashioned three more chances but were once more denied an opening goal as a lack of a cutting edge up front became all the more evident. Both Ritchie and Risser fired efforts wide of the post before the lively De Vita forced a superb save from 'keeper Brown, driving a low shot goalwards that the Cheltenham stopper was once more equal to. And with the half time whistle sounding around the Abbey Business Stadium shortly after, the two sides went in at the break on level terms, thanks largely in part to both goalkeepers.

In contrast to last week, Swindon were slow out of the blocks after half time and fell behind after just three second half minutes. The impressive Pack saw his well-delivered corner find defender Steve Elliot who, after escaping his marker, rose highest to head home past Phil Smith in the Swindon goal.

After falling behind, Di Canio's tactical nouse as a manager was tested for the first time and he responded with his first major change of the afternoon, bringing on winger Etienne Esajas in place of the inexperienced and out-of-positive Thompson. With Esajas possessing a cultured left foot and Ritchie being a two-footed, creative outlet within the side, the wingers swapped flanks as Town targetted a quick reply to Cheltenham's opener.

A period of comfortable possession for the home side was eventually brought to a halt as Swindon edged back into the affair. Aden Flint, however, could not repeat his goalscoring form of last week as he headed a Joe Devera free-kick over the bar. With Town again on top, supporters may have right to feel hard done by as striker Bodin saw his penalty appeal turned down soon after. Despite Bodin being visibly felled in the box, the referee waved play on with the visitors left to continue their search for an equaliser.

As the match drifted towards its end, a series of events worthy of a local derby made sure of a tense final ten minutes. An altercation between winger Esajas and the home team's Penn saw both players booked as the insuing melee of players joined the debate. And with the referee seemingly issuing cards readily, it came as no surprise when, after an off-the ball tangle that resulted in Town defender Flint being elbowed in the face, Cheltenham's Jimmy Spencer saw red as the hosts' desperately tried to see the game out.

Whilst Swindon pressed hard in the closing stages but even after five minutes of added time, they were unable to break through the resilient home defence. A first defeat for Di Canio as a manager left everyone connected with Swindon Town considerably deflated following last week's highs, with Cheltenham securing the first victory of their season.

Expectations are rightly still high, but patience is key. During this transitional phase, the players and management need the fans' support, rather than the jeers that some fans aimed at captain Risser following the final whistle. After the game, manager Di Canio confirmed his intent to add to his squad before Tuesday's game with Dagenham and Redbridge, which will be another stern test for his new-look Swindon side.

The heart taken from Saturday’s win has taken a severe blow and it is now up to Di Canio and his players to restore confidence for the match at Victoria Road this Tuesday. The match is far from must-win at this stage of the season but if Swindon are to mount a sustained promotion challenge, you feel these are the sort of games where three points are vital.

Opening Day Victory Gets Di Canio's Robins Flying

They say a year is a long time and it is certainly evident in the world of football. Indeed the last twelve months for Swindon has seen them go from promotion candidates in 2010, narrowly losing out in the play-off final to Millwall, to relegation fodder propping up the rest of the League One table come May 2011.

Last season's opening day fixture at home to eventual champions Brighton and Hove Albion was one of the most heavily anticipated matches at the County Ground in years. The previous campaign's play-off exploits and indeed a flurry of good Summer signings rightly raised expectations amongst all Swindon fans as the Seagulls travelled to Town similarly optimistic.

However, there was an air of disappointment as Swindon failed to earn a point in front of a packed County Ground audience, promptly serving up a 2-1 defeat. The team, featuring three debutants, found themselves unable to ''click'' against a resilient and well-organised Brighton side and ultimately fell victim to the weight of Pre-Season expection.

Di Canio's first game as boss

This year, following an impressive 3-0 win at home to Crewe Alexandra, the mood surrounding the club could not be more different. Goals from Callum Kennedy, Oliver Risser and Aden Flint sealed what turned out to be a comfortable win for Town in what was manager Paolo Di Canio's first competitive game in management.

Had the visitors converted one of a host of first half chances, the afternoon could have told a rather different story for Di Canio's men, as in the end a fortuitous penalty and indeed a clinical second half performance sealed the points for Swindon.

Town controlled much of the early possession, but nearly found themselves behind after just 10 minutes when Phil Smith denied both David Artell and Shaun Miller in quick succession. The 'keeper moved smartly to firstly deny Artell's back post header, before reacting sharply to smother Miller's low, drilled follow up.

The hosts began to look increasingly uncomfortable both at the back and in possession and nearly went behind again just five minutes later. Nick Powell capitalised on Joe Devera's slip to surge forward and direct a shot goalwards, but Smith was once again on hand to keep the score goalless, this time bravely diving at the Crewe striker's feet to block his effort.

Town's only chances of a lacklustre first half came first from Matt Ritchie, Michael Timlin and Bill Bodin. First, Ritchie directed a Callum Kennedy cross wide of the target before Timlin sliced a goalbound 18-yard volley, forcing a brilliant save from veteran Crewe 'keeper Steve Phillips. Called into action again just seconds later, Phillips denied Bodin a first Swindon goal from the resultant corner, palming away the youngster's side-footed effort.

The young Welshman, however, was eager to impress following Di Canio's surprise decision to start with him and was heavily involved in events preceding Town's opener. Bodin latched onto a Raffaele De Vita throughball and making a goalward surge, before taking a tumble under pressure from Crewe captain Artell. What had looked like an honest tussle for the ball ended in referee Michael Naylor pointing to the spot and booking the Alex skipper, much to the understandable frustrations of the visiting support. Up stepped young left back Callum Kennedy to calmly send Phillips the wrong way, and with the half time whistle sounding just moments later, Swindon went into the break to the good.



Risser celebrates Town's second

 A bright start to the second half saw chances fall to the impressive Ritchie, who fired another header wide whilst debutant De Vita almost pounced upon a good cross from Michael Timlin.

And the early second period domination was soon rewarded as Oliver Risser doubled Town's lead. With a blocked Bodin shot ping-ponging into the Swindon skipper's direction, Risser - largely anonymous all afternoon - cushioned it on his chest before unleashing an unstoppable 20-yard effort into the back of Phillips' net.

Town looked comfortable from thereon in and sealed the win fifteen minutes from time when man of the match Aden Flint capped a superb performance by nodding home a Kennedy cross from six yards out. The defender - signed from Non-League Alfreton Town by Dann Wilson last season - looks every bit the finished article in the centre of defence, towering over everyone with his performance being quite literally heads and shoulders over any one elses.

Swindon saw out the rest of the game with considerable ease and were even unlucky not to increase their lead through efforts from substitutes Simon Ferry and Alan McCormack - an indication of the strength in depth this Town squad possesses. That the defeat of a Crewe side likely to be pushing for the play-offs came without winger Etienne Esajas, an exciting winger who loves to run at opposition defences, and striker Medhi Kerrouche, who has recieved good Pre-Season reviews, can only add to the optimism now firmly shared by supporters and players alike.

The poor beginnings of last year were followed by a four-game winless run as Swindon struggled to recover from a shaky start, soon seeing their season materialise into a desperate fight to avoid relegation. Failure to do this saw first Danny Wilson and then Paul Hart lose their jobs as Town dropped perilously into League Two.

A good start is crucial to any side harbouring promotion ambitions and fans will be hoping Saturday’s win will provide the grounding for a solid start to this campaign. The games come thick and fast at this time of year, and Tuesday's League Cup clash at Bristol City may give Di Canio the chance to play several of his fringe players. With the likes of Ibrahim Atiku, Esajas and Kerrouche are all waiting in the wings for their chance, competition for places within the Town squad is certainly healthy.

Looking even further ahead, next week's away fixture at Cheltenham Town offers the perfect chance for fans to once more demonstrate their collective faith in the team by packing out the away end of the local and easily accessible Whaddon Road ground. Winning, as they say, is a habit and a victory at City would certainly build confidence before Saturday’s league match and indeed ahead of a long League Two season.

Swindon To Soar?

After just three months of football-less Saturdays, Swindon Town and indeed the rest of the Football League kick off the new season this very weekend. And if last season's League Two was anything to go by, then fans of the Football League are in for a real treat in 2011/12.

Ultimately, last season failed to deliver on the early season promise and expectation gathered from the previous year's successes. A shaky start materialised into an inconsistent season as Town were dragged into a relegation battle, simulataneously seeing their season's aspirations turn from promotion to survival. Two managers failed to stop the rot as relegation was confirmed with two games to spare, leaving fans time aplenty to reflect upon a season to forget. And for a few weeks afterwards, it felt like a crushing disappointment after all the hard work and excitement that had preceded the season.

The appointment of Paolo Di Canio and solid Pre-Season form throughout July and early August has only renewed the expectation now firmly among all Swindon fans. Pre-Season has provided an adequate solution to increasing a previously lethargic squad's fitness levels as well as the general morale of the team. A tour of Italy consisted of two resounding victories over local sides whilst on home soil, two successive 4-0 wins away from home against Swindon Supermarine and Cirencester Town respectively have given the Swindon public chance cure their annual Summer of football withdrawal symptoms.    

The question is, however, can the heartbreak of relegation provide Swindon with the determination and will-power necessary for a successful promotion season?

It's strange to feel optimism around the County Ground again. A memory may last a lifetime but a feeling, an emotion, can be forgotten within weeks. No Swindon fan, at home, or indeed present at The Valley will ever forget the club's play-off victory over Charlton to reach Wembley, on the 14th of May 2010. But that feeling of thousands of Town fans sharing unrestrained joy has been forgotten, or at least it feels longer than a year ago since those emotions were flowing through Swindon supporters.

Optimism is another feeling that, since Andrew Fitton's arrival as Chairman (and indeed continuing with Jeremy Wray), has been a common feature at Swindon Town yet last season’s disaster means that a shared positive outlook about the up-coming season between supporters is an odd one; one which doesn’t feel entirely natural.

For supporters though it is difficult not to look back. Last season hurt. It was supposed to be brilliant. In the end it was awful. Watching the team you support fall apart, gradually, undoing anything achieved in the previous season's successes. At times it was almost impossible; a team that had featured in a Wembley play-off final just twelve months previously was now destined for League Two football. It seems though that those times will be a distant memory again soon, if the team performs to its potential, much like the happy recollections of the play-offs are now. One good season and Swindon Town are back, last season will be un-done, and it will all be forgotten.

However, it won’t be as easy as it seems. There is an argument that the division is stronger this time round than it was before. The signings of Joe Devera from Barnet, holder of over 200 League Two appearances, and indeed 32-year old Italian centre half Alberto Comazzi give the Swindon defence the experience it so desperately lacked last season. In midfield, Namibian international Oliver Risser has been handed the club captaincy, whilst Alan McCormack, previously of Charlton Athletic, Southend United and Preston North End has opted to drop down a division to sign for Town - an indication, surely, of the Di Canio effect. Swindon struggled desperately for goals last season following Charlie Austin's departure in January, scoring just 12 goals after his move to Burnley. In reaction to this, scorer of 25 Blue Square Premier goals last season, Alan Connell, and former Livinston sriker Raffaele De Vita have both signed on, eager to learn from arguably one of the greatest strikers to have graced the Premier League.

Key to any success this season will undoubtedly be Matt Ritchie. The midfielder burst onto the scene last season after signing from Portsmouth, appealing to the better natures of supporters with his mazy runs, willingness to take players on and shoot and never-say-die attitude. One of few highlights during last season's failures, an indication of Ritchie's worth, both in value and fan affections, saw him sweep the board at respective end-of-season awards dinners.

There is little evidence to gauge just how good this squad is though, of course it looks terrific, but it hasn’t played together in a competitive match and it’s easy to get carried away. The 2-1 defeat to Reading in the most recent of Pre-Season friendlies is a signal of just how far the club need to progress to be able to compete at higher levels. However, good performances and resounding victories in each of the four previous friendlies shows the potential that the Swindon squad of 2011/12 has.

It is early to say but promotion is within this Town squad's grasp. The current group of players have a chance to re-write, and effectively erase, history. Belief has now been firmly installed in the players and fans' mindsets alike, belief that Swindon belong further up the Football League ladder, and there will be few better opportunities for this current squad to achieve this than the one which begins 3pm on Saturday afternoon. Last season was important; this season may well be make or break.

League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Part Four

Port Vale: Boardroom unrest is likely to harm fan morale, affect staff behind the scenes and hinder Vale's chances of progression this term as Mickey Adams returns as manager. Restricted to just two Summer signings because of issues with the board and having lost one half of the Richards strike partnership with forward Justin joining Burton, the shaky finances, discontent amongst the fans and an unsettled atmosphere at Vale Park will undermine any promotion aspirations.

Key Player: Marc Richards
Robin's Nest Prediction: 14th

Rotherham United: A busy Summer for Rotherham has seen former Brentford boss Andy Scott installed as manager and the arrivals of Lewis Grabban, Danny Schofield and Gareth Evans to add to an already strong playing staff. Much of the Millers' success this season will depend on the form of goalscoring sensation Adam Le Fondre who, incredibly, remains at the club despite another Summer of speculation. However, despite the appointment of Scott and, in turn, his shrewd transfer activity thus far, Rotherham can realistically hope for a play-off place although expect them to, as in recent seasons, fall short once more.

Key Player: Adam Le Fondre
Robin's Nest Prediction: 8th

Shrewsbury Town: Having both the quality and experience required to beat any other team in the division, the Shrews should be amongst the promotion contenders come the end of the season. Having added to a defence that was already one of the most resilient in the division with the signings of Carl Regan, Reuben Hazell and Joe Jacobson, manager Graham Turner has signed up Marvin Morgan for goals and the industrious Matt Richards for midfield creativity as Town look to learn their lessons from last season.

Key Player: Ian Sharps
Robin's Nest Prediction: 4th

Southend United: A 13th place finish last season that must be seen as achievement considering recent events looks likely to be improved upon by Southend this year. The impressive signings of Neil Harris, Jemal Johnson and Liam Dickinson will only bolster a squad that possesses such talent as Kane Ferdinand, Anthony Grant and Ryan Hall as manager Paul Sturrock will look for his side to be in the running for a play-off place. Only the loss of influential skipper Craig Easton will harm United's chances of this but optimism surrounding Roots Hall remains in tact.
Key Player: Ryan Hall
Robin's Nest Prediction: 9th

Swindon Town: The Di Canio show is in full swing at the County Ground as the Italian takes his first steps in football management. Di Canio has overseen a Summer of transfer activity that has witnessed fourteen players depart for pastures new and twelve new faces arrive from various divisions, nations and walks of life. Key for Town will be getting an almost entirely new and admittedly embryonic team to gel, improving a previously lethargic squad's fitness levels and keeping supporters and Di Canio himself grounded. Get these right and the Robins will definitely be amongst the the promotion contenders come the end of the season.
Key Player: Matt Ritchie
Robin's Nest Prediction: 5th

Torquay United: The division's surprise package last year, reaching the play-off final and only losing out by the narrowest of margins, Torquay fans can expect to be brought back down to earth with a bump this season. A mid-table finish is a realistic hope in what will be a transitional season following the departures of manager Paul Buckle and key players from 2010/11 in Chris Zebroski, Scott Bevan and Guy Branston.

Key Player: Eunan O'kane
Robin's Nest Prediction: 17th

League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Part Three

Part Three of The Robin's Nest's League Two Season Preview 2011/12 offers up an in-depth look at six of this year's sides and ultimately a prediction based on their Summer acivity, be it transfers, boardroom changes or managerial appointments, early Pre-Season form, performances last season and strength of squad.

Hereford United: Rookie manager Jamie Pitman and his Hereford side face another tough season. The team's tenacity on their travels last season showed that they’ve got too much fight to go down, but they won’t set the division alight either. With the improvements going on elsewhere the Bulls look likely struggle but should again avoid the drop.

Key Player: Stuart Fleetwood
Robin's Nest Prediction: 19th

Macclesfield Town: Dealing with the personal tragedy and great losses to the club of first Keith Alexander and then Richard Butcher puts Macclesfield's creditable 15th place finish last season in an even better light. However, finances will again be a problem for Town who year on year strive for survival first and foremost with 2011/12, perhaps, being one season too far for a team that seemingly continually defy all odds.

Key Player: Arnaud Mendy

Robin's Nest Prediction: 24th

Morecambe: Most likely to play out an unspectacular existence in lower mid-table, the Shrimps should prove too strong to be drawn into the proverbial relegation battle, but ultimately not good enough to trouble the division’s promotion-chasers. Following Sammy McIlroy's departure by mutual consent at the end of last season, the club allowed ex-player Jim Bentley his first steps in football management but it will be a tough ask for the former defender to mark his debut managerial season with a top-half finish.

Key Player: Lewis Alessandra
Robin's Nest Prediction: 18th

Northampton Town: Anticipation, excitement and genuine optimism have gathered around Sixfields about the coming season following the impressive Summer signings of Adebayo Akinfenwa, Jake Robinson and Aaron Davies. Add to that equation manager Gary Johnson's record of three promotions with Yeovil Town and Bristol City respectively and the heightened expectations many Northampton fans currently possess seem to have some substance. Many a new signing and the proverbial 'gelling' of a new side is likely to harm Town's chances of automatic promotion but expect a sustained play-off push and entertainment aplenty at Sixfields Stadium in 2011/12.

Key Player: Michael Jacobs
Robin's Nest Prediction: 7th

Oxford United: Oxford fans will be hoping they can push on from last season's 12th place finish and who can blame them?! The squad that served them so well last year has largely remained and only been added to with real quality and depth in the form of Peter Leven, Deane Smalley and Andrew Whing. United supporters and indeed their large fanbase will be as expectant and optimistic as ever so expect Oxford to trouble the top seven this season.

Key Player: Peter Leven
Robin's Nest Prediction: 6th

Plymouth Argyle: Despite falling into the division in similarly dire financial straits, the Pilgrims are probably too good to be this season’s Stockport County, but the continued ownership wranglings may yet result in the club folding altogether. The loss of big-wage, big-names in Rory Fallon, Marcel Seip and Karl Duguid (to name but a few) could be a blessing in disguise for Argyle who will instead be forced to into the market of free transfers and loan deals to add depth to their wafer-thin squad. Assuming that the club survives and they continue to sign players of the calibre of Stephane Zubar and Luke Daley, a respectable mid-table finish could be on the cards.

Key Player: Stephane Zubar
Robin's Nest Prediction: 11th

League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Part Two

Part Two of The Robin's Nest's League Two Season Preview 2011/12 offers up an in-depth look at six of this year's sides and ultimately a prediction based on their Summer acivity, be it transfers, boardroom changes or managerial appointments, early Pre-Season form, performances last season and strength of squad.

Burton Albion: A build-up of postponed matches and the resultant fixture congestion, either due to the bad weather of the Winter or an excellent FA Cup run, nearly cost Burton dearly last season, who struggled largely due to inconsistency. Having already lost Shaun Harrad to Northampton Town last season, the sale of 'keeper Adam Legzdins to Derby County and Russ Penn's move to Cheltenham Town indicates a continuous struggle to retain the services of key players, whilst a quiet Summer thus far in terms of players arriving at the Pirelli Stadium will lower the club's expectations for the new season.
Key Player: Jacques Maghoma

Robin's Nest Prediction: 22nd

Cheltenham Town: In for a struggle of a season after last season's top scorer Wes Thomas joined newly-promoted Crawley Town. The opening half of the season could prove absolutely vital for Cheltenham who, under Mark Yates last term, largely paid the price for inconsistency. A tough couple of opening fixtures see the Robins travel to Gillingham and entertain recently-relegated Swindon in games that Cheltenham must embrace rather than fear, though the signing of Marlon Pack is likely to be one of few highlights for Town this season who seem destined for another relegation battle.

Key Player: Marlon Pack
Robin's Nest Prediction: 21st

Crawley Town: Runaway winners of the Blue Square Premier last season and already setting the pace in terms of transfer activity close season. The Red Devils, aided by a healthy bank balance, have already signed strikers Wes Thomas and John Akinde and midfield prospect Hope Akpan as manager Steve Evans continues to build an ambitious side, clearly targetting back-to-back promotions. Crawley will maintain the momentum gained from last year's promotion and aim to use it as an advantage as they prepare for life as a Football League club.

Key Player: Matt Tubbs
Robin's Nest Prediction: 1st

Crewe Alexandra: The loss of 28-goal striker Clayton Donaldson is likely to hinder Crewe's chances of improving on last season's 10th place finish. Instead, the Railwaymen will rely on Shaun Miller for goals - a homegrown talent and scorer of seventeen last time out. Crewe have a tendency of being one of the most unpredictable teams in England, their style of football which never seems to change under Dario Gradi means with Crewe expect the unexpected. A lack of new signings and indeed the loss of Donaldson indicates another midtable finish for Gradi's side.

Key Player: Shaun Miller
Robin's Nest Prediction: 13th

Dagenham & Redbridge: Relegated on the final day last season, perenial underdogs Dagenham and Redbridge once more find themselves unfancied by bookmakers, gamblers and pundits alike. The Daggers lack firepower and in Danny Green have lost a player capable of fourteen goals and thirteen assists in 2010/11. Club legend and dressing room personality Tony Roberts has also retired whilst influential French midfield Romain Vincelot has joined Brighton and Hove Albion so expect a midtable finish with potential for a play-off push.

Key Player: Mark Arber
Robin's Nest Prediction: 12th

Gillingham: Unlucky not to make the play-offs last season, Gillingham's Summer signings are those of a side on the up. The captures of Charlie Lee and Chris Whelpdale from Peterborough United, the signings of Non-League goalscorers Danny Kedwell and Adam Birchall and the deals done for the transfers of Andy Frampton and Lewis Montrose indicate that the Gills are going all out for promotion this season. Anything less than a play-off place this year will be deemed as a failure for the Kent club but with the solid signings made and under manager Andy Hessenthaler's stewardship, fans have reason to be optimistic.

Key Player: Charlie Lee
Robin's Nest Prediction: 3rd

League Two Season Preview 2011/12: Part One

Part One of The Robin's Nest's League Two Season Preview 2011/12 offers up an in-depth look at six of this year's sides and ultimately a prediction based on their Summer acivity, be it transfers, boardroom changes or managerial appointments, early Pre-Season form, performances last season and strength of squad.

AFC Wimbledon: A story for the football romanticists saw AFC Wimbledon, a club formed in protest to the FA's decision to allow the relocation and transformation of Wimbledon FC to MK Dons, promoted to the Football League for the very first time last season, beating Luton Town in the Blue Square Premier play-off final. Despite the obvious belief and team spirit surrounding the fan-owned club, the Dons are likely to struggle following the loss of influential captain and 2010/11's top goalscorer Danny Kedwell to Gillingham, although the momentum gathered from five promotions in eight seasons should see them safe.

Key Player: Jack Midson
Robin's Nest Prediction: 20th

Accrington Stanley: Defying the odds since their return to the Football League, Accrington Stanley (who are they?, exactly!) seemingly overachieved in reaching the League Two play-offs last season. A loss of key players from last season - the most notable being Jimmy Ryan, who joined Scunthorpe United - will seriously affect Stanley's performance in the league this season as they suffer the consequences of a play-off failure. Nonethless, under John Coleman's stewardship, relegation is unlikley for everybody's favourite underdogs, with worse teams than Stanley currently in the division.

Key Player: Andrew Proctor

Robin's Nest Prediction: 16th

Aldershot Town: A mid-table finish was deemed as an achievement by Shots fans following their slow start to the 2010/11 campaign. That poor beginning to a season cost Kevin Dillon his job and his successor, the cap-wearing former Bolton striker Dean Holdworth, steadied the sinking ship, guiding Alderhot to a 14th place finish that supporters would have grasped with both hands under Dillon's inconsistent start. No real loss or improvement to the playing staff and Holdsworth's inexperience at this level leads to the belief that Aldershot and indeed Shots fans will again finish the season content with mid-table mediocrity.

Key Player: Luke Guttridge
Robin's Nest Prediction: 15th

Barnet: Narrowly avoiding relegation last season after a collossal effort by first Martin Allen and then Guilliano Grazioli, Barnet face the prospect of another tough season. Even with the appointment of former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez, the future looks bleak for Bees fans, with player of the season Joe Devera's move to Swindon a massive blow to their Pre-Season preparations. Izale McLeod and new signing Sam Deering will be rays of hope for supporters who face a long season and a possibly unfruitful end to their six-year stay in the Football League.

Key Player: Izale McLeod
Robin's Nest Prediction: 23rd

Bradford City: The self-proclaimed biggest club in the division, with home attendances often exceeding 12,000, Bradford have underachieved in each of their four seasons in League Two since relegation in 2007. However, in Peter Jackson the Bantams have an able manager who will possess the freedom to build his own team and squad under considerably less pressure, which in turn should increase the chances of him getting it right. The signings of Guy Branston and Ritchie Jones, from Torquay United and Hartlepool United respectively, signal a move in the right direction for Bradford, although the looming 2011/12 campaign may be one season too soon for the ambitious side.

Key Player: Guy Branston
Robin's Nest Prediction: 10th

Bristol Rovers: A Summer of transition for Rovers began with the appointment of Paul Buckle as manager, who left Torquay following their defeat to Stevenage Borough in the League Two play-off final. The new man at the Bristol Rovers helm has overseen a Summer of transfer activity that has seen fourteen new players arrive at the Memorial Stadium and a similarly large number depart, as the Gas adjust to life in League Two. Solid signings in Scott McGleish, Joe Anyinsah and Scott Bevan have rightly raised expectations around the blue half of Bristol as Buckle targets a promotion to make up for the personal pain of falling at the last hurdle last season.

Key Player: Matt Gill
Robin's Nest Prediction: 2nd