TOWN head into the penultimate home match of the campaign against Crewe Alexandra knowing that three points will take them a step closer to securing a place in the Play-Offs.
After defeat at Sheffield United on Saturday, Tuesday’s match could be pivotal in deciding Swindon’s end-of-season fate.
THE VIEW
Manager Kevin MacDonald has urged his players to approach the match in a positive fashion.
Speaking in his pre-match press call, the Town boss says that he expects the visitors to play without fear at The County Ground.
“We face a Crewe side who will get the ball down and pass it,” he said. “They have a wonderful reputation and I know quite a few of the staff there.
“It's not an easy league this one but football isn't meant to be easy. Crewe will come here looking for a result and they will try and play without fear. The main thing is for our players to play with a positive attitude as we go for the result we need.”
THE STORY SO FAR
After victory over Town in October, the Railwaymen lost only once in November and picked up three points at promotion-chasing Doncaster. After exiting the FA Cup at the hands of Burton at the beginning of December, just one defeat followed across the month: a 2-1 reverse at Tranmere on Boxing Day.
Two wins and two defeats in January preceded an impressive 3-0 win at Coventry in the area final of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in February. Another win at the Ricoh Arena, this time in the league, punctuated a run of six games without defeat. Following a mixed run of results in March, Steve Davis’s men lifted the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at Wembley with a 2-0 victory over Southend.
Since their Wembley triumph, the Alex have lost both of their last two fixtures against high-flying Brentford and Doncaster.
LAST TIME OUT
Crewe were the visitors on the opening day of last season when Paolo Di Canio started his reign as Town boss with a 3-0 win thanks to goals from Callum Kennedy, Oliver Risser and Aden Flint.
The Railwaymen last tasted victory at SN1 back in December 2002. Dean Ashton notched the first for Alex in a 3-1 win. Sam Parkin registered a consolation goal with a late penalty.
Crewe were the opposition in May 1986 when Swindon secured the Fourth Division title in 1986 with a record number of points. Peter Coyne’s 70th minute goal sealed a 1-0 win for Lou Macari’s men.
TICKETS
Tickets are available now from the STFC Box Office either in person or by calling 0871 876 1993. Alternatively, you can buy online by clicking here.
Remember you can win two tickets to the game via the InSwindon website. Click here for more details.
