Town’s inconsistent campaign was back on track this Saturday, as Louis Reed’s first-half penalty was enough to earn the points at Holker Street.
In a real game of two halves, Town controlled the first forty-five minutes as they went in search of their first goal in five games, thankfully, Reed’s calm spot kick ended our baron run, as we went into the break the superior side.
After coming back into the side Louis Reed hasn’t looked like the same player we all enjoyed watching last season, but this past weekend the talented midfielder showed some of the quality we all expect to see.
With the surface not the best for Town’s style of play, Reed did a good job and deserves to keep his place ahead of our Boxing Day clash with Walsall at the County Ground.
With Ben Gladwin and Saidou Khan possibly back in contention and Ronan Darcy out of form, it’ll be interesting to see who misses out in the middle on Boxing Day.
Town started the second half the better side and should’ve added to their total as a one-two between Jacob Wakeling and Tyreece Shade sadly saw the former Leicester City man waste his chance to double Town’s lead.
The home side took control from this point but failed to test Sol Brynn leaving them exposed on the break, leading to Tomi Adeloye being given a huge chance to seal the points for Town, but he never looked confident, as the Barrow keeper snatched the ball from the strikers’ toes.
Sadly, this perfectly encapsulates Adeloye’s time so far in a Swindon shirt, as he’s never looked to have the required ability to lead the line and be the man to score the goals we need if we want to stand any chance of promotion this season.
He needs to regain his confidence in front of the goal and be given a run of games, but that can’t be with Swindon, a loan move in January would suit both parties, and would leave Town with a space to fill up front.
Over the past couple of weeks, rumours have been flying around about a certain former bricklayer turned Premier League striker who might be looking for a new club.
Last week it was confirmed that former Town striker Charlie Austin had been released from his deal by Australian side Brisbane Roar after six months, and is heading back to the UK, citing family reasons for his early departure.
This leaves the 33-year-old without a club, and with Swindon currently desperate for a new striker, the timing could not be more perfect.
If the rumours are true that Austin would be open to a sensational return to the County Ground, this would be a complete no-brainer for our Technical Director, Sandro di Michele, and Head Coach, Scott Lindsey.
Charlie Austin back donning the famous red and white is what our flat season desperately needs, which from the outside might seem like an odd statement, with us currently sitting fourth in League Two.
But since his appointment, Scott Lindsey has so far failed to get all sections of the Town supporters on his side, with some not convinced he’s up to the job, with some poor performances, and just one win in the last eight games in all competitions before Saturday.
Austin’s arrival would unify the fanbase, and generate excitement for the second half of the season, resulting in more people attending home games, just in time for the half-season ticket sales.
If it’s true he’s open to the idea, the only obstacle I can see is his possible wage demands, after being on Championship wages last season with Queens Park Rangers.
But if he can be incorporated into the clubs’ wage structure, signing someone of his ability in front of the goal would be a game changer for our season and would end 2022 on the biggest of big highs.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas!