The visit of Brentford on Saturday was viewed by many Swindon supporters as a great opportunity to put points on the board after an underwhelming start to the campaign.

A bright opening to the game saw Town quickly onto the front foot, with Jon Paul McGovern spearheading the early attacks. So often the right winger is quickest out of the blocks at The County Ground, and so it was the case last weekend, with his lively play lifting the crowd as they sought an early goal.

But Swindon were soon undone as another moment of defensive frailty saw Michael Rose panic whilst ushering an innocuous long ball back to keeper David Lucas. His poor headed contact fell way short and allowed Bees striker Charlie MacDonald in to slot home from an acute angle.

Rose, and indeed his team mates, took some time to regain composure as Brentford seized control of the game. In midfield, Jonathan Douglas and David Prutton once again struggled to assert their influence, both picking up yellow cards as their frustration began to show.

The most incisive of Swindon's first half play involved the ever-improving Alan O'Brien - with a little work on a final ball to accompany his lightning-quick pace, the Irishman could become a real danger on the left wing.

When the equaliser did arrive, it was via a set piece. Sean Morrison, making his first start of the season, flicked on a Rose throw-in and Prutton reacted quickest to nod home his first Town goal at the far post.

The second half began with Swindon once more in the ascendency, yet with few efforts on goal to show for it. Danny Wilson again showed his lack of inhibition, bringing on Callum Kennedy to replace Rose and David Ball for Thomas Dossevi before the hour mark.

For youngster Kennedy, this was a first appearance in Town colours after a nine-month injury lay-off, which made his assured and committed contribution all the more pleasurable to behold. The unfortunate Rose may now face a battle to retain the left back spot.

Vincent Pericard's curled effort was Swindon's best chance to take the points. Pericard is a player who divides supporters, with many fans low on patience as his 17th appearance in a Swindon shirt again failed to produce the goal.

A glance at his career statistics suggests he has nothing to prove as a centre forward, yet too often he fails to make adequate use of his strength and hold the ball up, but we have to believe that he will come good for Town.

The afternoon's biggest cheer was reserved for the announcement of Sean Morrison as man of the match. The young defender was first to every ball, his all-action display a marked contrast from the more cautious styles of Jean-Francois and Scott Cuthbert.

Still only 19 years old, this was as close to a captain's performance as we have seen this season.

So where do we go from here? Saturday was undoubtedly two points dropped against a limited Brentford side. While the majority of supporters understand that a remodelled team will not gel immediately, there are some tough challenges ahead for current side.

Consecutive away fixtures at MK Dons and Carlisle are followed by a home game with title favourites Southampton, so it will be tough to pick up some much needed points.

Still, it is early days and there are undoubtedly brighter things to come. A strong looking squad, which can now boast no less than three international call-ups, looks set to be further strengthened before the transfer window closes.

Luck has not been on our side so far, yet despite the results there have been signs that the side will soon click into gear and hand out a thrashing.

Let's hope that MK Dons are our first unfortunate victims this weekend!

John McClernon