Its Derby Day on Saturday early afternoon, in not favourable weather. Wrap up warm its going to be cold tomorrow. Swindon Town entertain Bristol Rovers in a west country derby and looking to complete a double over Joey Barton side and make it four wins in a row against Bristol Rovers.
Swindon Town bounced back from the disappointing defeat to Mansfield ten days ago with an emphatic comfortable away win at Port Vale. Remember this was Port Vale first match in the league for just over a month and they had just played one match since December 11th, 2021, and that was an FA Cup third round tie against Brentford.
Having watched the game on Sunday evening, I was really impressed with Swindon. The swagger was back in the side which was missed in the previous game against Mansfield. A lot of praise will go to attacker Harry McKirdy who was involved in all three goals, but credit should go to Ben Gladwin who was magnificent last weekend. He is a marmite player with our fan base, sometimes he flatters too decisive. But on his day, he is unplayable and such an important player to this system going forward. He is a valuable asset to the team.
Talking more about Ben Gladwin, news came out yesterday evening that the midfielder extended his stay at SN1 and has signed a new deal. Like I stated earlier, I think with Ben he divides opinion. But this is great news going forward for the player and the club. He has shown his qualities on the ball in games but has gone off the boil in other games. On his day he is a magician and a joy to watch.
Ben Garner in his pre-match presser confirmed that Jack Payne and Mathieu Baudry are still out with injuries but are close to fitness. Ghana got knocked out of the AFCON 2022 midweek so JoJo Wollacott is back at SN1 earlier than thought and could be in contention for tomorrow game but in reality could be back for the Colchester United away game next weekend.
Predicted Swindon Town line up
3-5-1-1
Ward, O’Brien, Conroy, Odimayo, Hunt, Reed, Lyden, Williams, Iandolo, McKirdy, Simpson.
Bristol Rovers are the visitors and full of confidence after last weekend home 2-0 win over Hartlepool United. Joey Barton side are 16th in the League Two standings. Twenty-nine points from twenty-two games sees Bristol Rovers comfortably in mid-table and a healthy ten points above the relegation zone.
Like many clubs in the EFL over the Xmas and new year period, Bristol Rovers had five games called of due to Covid19 and FA Cup commitments. Last weekend game against Hartlepool United was Bristol Rovers first game in the league since December 11th. Games against Scunthorpe United, Sutton United, Crawley Town, Leyton Orient and Barrow were all postponed and re-scheduled for later in the season.
Bristol Rovers form in the last six games is consistent at being inconsistent. Two wins, two draws and two defeats in the last six games. Weirdly enough they went in sequence of two draws, two defeats and then the two wins. The two draws were a 2-2 home draw with Tranmere Rovers and a 1-1 draw away at Salford. The two defeats were a 2-0 away defeat to league leaders Forest Green Rovers and a 1-2 home defeat to Port vale. The two wins was a 4-2 home win over Rochdale and last weekend a 2-0 home win over Hartlepool. Bristol Rovers did play Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup and were defeated 2-1 by the Posh.
Sadly, there was sad news in the week with former Swindon Town defender Jamie Vincent passing away at the age of 46. Wonderful tributes from the footballing community from fans and club who Jamie Vincent played for. Vincent played 89 times for Swindon Town during 2006-09 and played a pivotal role in Swindon Town promotion from league two to League one in 2007. Hopefully, the club in either tomorrow’s game or the next home game will honour his time with the club and pay their respects. RIP Jamie Vincent.
By Scot Munroe