Get an insider's view of Swindon Town F.C every week with the David Lucas blog. The Town 'keeper will keep fans up to date on what goes at SN1 throughout the season. Click on 'News', then 'Blogs' to read the latest entry.
109 days on from our last competitive win, Swindon supporters are smiling again after emerging from a difficult week with a considerable cup scalp.
Saturday's trip to Milton Keynes saw Danny Wilson keep faith with the same XI who started the draw against Brentford.
The manager's faith looked to have been rewarded as Town again capitalised on a long throw routine to edge in front before half time. Scott Cuthbert's flicked header from Sean Morrison's delivery demonstrated the benefits of a little training-ground inventiveness.
Despite their advantage, Swindon spent large periods of the match on the back foot, with only a fine display of goalkeeping from David Lucas maintaining their lead. Town were finally undone midway through the second half as Dons striker Sam Baldock twice reacted quickest from close range to clinch the points for the home side.
David Prutton was unfortunate to pick up a second yellow card late on for a harmless yet ill-timed swipe at the ankles of Baldock. The automatic one-match ban ruled the ex-Southampton player out of a reunion with his former team mates as Town headed to St Marys for Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy encounter.
The lower tier tournament is often viewed as an unnecessary distraction from the more serious business of the league, yet for Swindon the trip to face last season's Wembley winners offered some respite from an arduous League One campaign. As well as the chance to show off their stylish new third kit!
Danny Wilson took the opportunity to experiment with his line up and formation, employing a diamond midfield formation which saw Jonathan Douglas anchored behind recalled duo Michael Timlin and Simon Ferry. Jon Paul McGovern advanced into a free role behind the forwards, while Kevin Amankwaah and Callum Kennedy were given the opportunity to impress at full back.
Douglas's withdrawal through injury on 20 minutes handed youth team graduate Will Evans his first opportunity at senior level. More accustomed to a defensive role, Evans delivered an impressive performance in midfield, one which now makes him a serious contender for Wilson's first team plans.
The captain's substitution turned out to be a precautionary measure, and any concerns were soon forgotten as Vincent Pericard delighted the 499 travelling supporters by volleying home his first Swindon goal. Another cool finish from Charlie Austin doubled the advantage in the second half, before Pericard finished off some fine work from Alan O'Brien to put a real shine on Swindon's first victory of the season.
Comparisons are now being drawn with 90s striking legend Jan Age Fjortoft, who endured 23 games in a Town shirt before the floodgates so memorably opened. We can only hope a similar turnaround in fortunes is now in store for the hard working French striker.
Southampton may have been a team out of sorts following Alan Pardew's shock dismissal, but there can be no denying that this was a high calibre performance from Swindon. A man of the match display from Simon Ferry highlighted the impact his energetic style can have on the central midfield battle. Along with Pericard, the young Scot now looks a certain starter for Saturday's trip to table-topping Carlisle.
Tuesday also saw the closure of the transfer window, with Swindon among the many sides seeking last minute additions to their squads. Fans will have been delighted by the return of another member of the Class of 09/10, as Alan Sheehan signed a one-year deal. His versatility on the left hand side will provide healthy competition for Michael Rose and Alan O'Brien.
Behind the scenes, the club's management once again demonstrated their resolve, first by refusing to bow to the excessive demands of free agent Alan Gow, and then by firmly rejecting a derisory offer from Millwall for prize asset Charlie Austin.
Keeping hold of players such as Austin is absolutely essential if we are to stand any chance of emulating last season's success. The young striker appears fully committed to the club, and is no doubt keen to further repay Danny Wilson for launching his professional career.
Looking ahead, it is now crucial that Town capitalise on Tuesday's convincing victory and bring the same level of performance to Brunton Park on Saturday.
It is another long journey north for the players, but one from which they will hopefully return with that vital first league win under their belts.
Good luck to all who follow them!
John McClernon
