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Swindon Preview

By: Richard Hubbert
Date: 14/09/2003

THE only way is up after Friday’s 8-1 humiliation at Hartlepool as the Mariners look to prove a point to themselves, their manager and the fans in this home clash with Swindon. In 1931, Town lost 9-1 to Arsenal, but followed up the defeat with two home victories - can this Town team do the same?

Home > 2003-2004 Season > Previews > Swindon (h)


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TownSwindon
LHartlepool(h)1-8
DPeterborough(a)1-1
LBristol City(a)0-1
WWycombe(a)3-1
WLuton(a)2-1
WWrexham(h)1-0
DBrighton(a)2-2
DBlackpool(h)2-2
DBournemouth(a)2-2
WNotts Co(h)4-0

Lying in 6th place in the division, Swindon are enjoying a decent start to the season and are currently seven games unbeaten. Boss Andy King has been given some money to spend and this has enabled him to bring in experienced pros like Tommy Mooney and Sammy Igoe, both of whom have had a major impact on the Robins season.

Top Scorers

 

TownSwindon
Boulding5
Anderson3
Mooney6
Parkin5

Swindon Facts

Last Season
10th in Division Two. A creditable finish for the Robins last season, who were hovering near the foot of the table at the start of the term. Most Swindon fans will be hoping for further progression up the table this year.

Manager
Andy King. Former Grimsby Town assistant manager under Kenny Swain, King is in his second spell as the Robins boss having previously being in charge before Roy Evans’ short stint in charge in 2001. Starting to win over the fans who at one stage, were determined to force him out of the club.

Top Players
Tommy Mooney (left). Experienced striker who has previously played for both Watford and Birmingham. Signed for the Robins on a free in the summer after a series of unsuccessful loan spells at Sheffield United, Stoke and Derby last season. Has over 100 league goals to his name in his 14 year career and has continued his record with Swindon, with whom he has netted six goals already this season.

Sam Parkin. Ex-Chelsea striker whom combined with Mooney, could be part of one of the most potent strike forces in the division this year. Parkin netted 26 times for the Robins last year, proving that he is a real threat to second division defences.

James Milner (left). Known as the Premiership’s youngest ever scorer with Leeds United, the 17=year-old is now out on loan with the Robins to gain more first team experience as he looks to break into Peter Reid’s side. Made his debut in midfield in the 2-2 draw with Brighton a few weeks ago.

Team News

 

TownSwindon

  • Town boss Paul Groves has already stated that changes will be rung for this game, after the 8-1 drubbing at Hartlepool on Friday.

  • Most likely to loose their places are Simon Ford, Jason Crowe and the manager himself, Paul Groves. Ford had a terrible game at Victoria Park and his form has been shaky for the past few weeks. This could mean that Mike Edwards will be given his chance at centre back.

  • Similarly, if John McDermott gains his fitness, we expect that Crowe will be dropped to the bench, or even if Macca is not match fit we could see Wes Parker or Iain Ward thrown into the starting lineup.

  • Groves meanwhile, is expected to be replaced by Des Hamilton who returns from his three game ban. The impressive Graham Hockless will resume on the left hand side of midfield.

  • Up front, Jonny Rowan will continue alongside Michael Boulding, despite the impressive showing of youngster Liam Nimmo. This is of course, unless Town manage to secure the services of a striker before Tuesday evening.
  • Influential playmaker Sammy Igoe will be out for Swindon along with Steve Robinson - both through injury. However, they do have one of the hottest talents in English football to replace Igoe, in the form of James Milner. Fellow loan signing Jerel Ifil will continue in defence.

  • Elsewhere, we expect Andy King to stick with the same side that won on Saturday.
  • Probable Starting XI's

     

    TownSwindon
    Aidan Davison
    John McDermott
    Darren Barnard
    Tony Crane
    Mike Edwards
    Marcel Cas
    Graham Hockless
    Des Hamilton
    Stuart Campbell
    Michael Boulding
    Jonathan Rowan
    Rhys Evans
    Adrian Viveash
    Matty Heywood
    Jerel Ifil
    Andy Gurney
    Matthew Hewlett
    Stefani Miglioranzi
    David Duke
    James Milner
    Sam Parkin
    Tommy Mooney

    Subs

     

    TownSwindon
    Simon Ford
    Liam Nimmo
    David Soames
    Paul Groves
    Jason Crowe
    Jonathan Stevenson
    Alan Reeves
    Andrew Nicholas
    Ben Howard
    Bart Griemink (GK)

    On This Day

    16th September 1989

  • Town lost the first game of their league division four campaign on this day, to Maidstone United when they lost 3-2 at Blundell Park. Dave Gilbert scored two for Town, but it was not enough to stop a Maidstone team who finished in 5th place that season. Town of course, were promoted as runners up to Exeter City.
  • Swindon drew 0-0 at home to Barnsley on this day in the second division in front of 6540 fans at the County Ground. This meant they slipped to 18th place in the division, in what was an indifferent start to the new season for the Robins. However, an excellent second half to the season, helped by the form of Duncan Shearer and Steve White saw them finish 4th.

  • Last Time Out

    The last time the two sides met was in February 2000 when in the first division, Town won 1-0 at the County Ground through a Lee Ashcroft goal. That season, Swindon finished rock bottom and were relegated, while Town only managed survival by a mere five points.

    Town Team: Coyne, McDermott, Smith, Livingstone, Lever, Coldicott, Donovan, Black, Ashcroft, Allen, Groves.
    Subs: Clare, Butterfield and Croudson

    Swindon Team: Griemink, Robinson, Hall, Leitch, Reeves, Davies, Collins, Hulbert, McCammon, Hay, Williams.
    Subs: Quinn, Howe, J Williams.

    Attendance: 5,784    Report

    Swindon Head-to-Head (59th on The Opposition Ladder).

    Prediction

    Fishy prediction: After Friday, it would be nice to keep a clean sheet, but after seeing the goals from Friday on the TV, something tells me it isn’t going to happen! Town need to bounce back quickly, and the Fish predicts a draw. 2-2 Draw. Reader's POMs

    Directions

    Click on the link for directions to Blundell Park (left).

    Admission Prices

    Click on the link for ticket prices to Blundell Park.




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