TOWN welcome Brentford to The County Ground for the first leg of their Play-Off semi final encounter on Saturday.
After both teams tasted defeat on the final day of the season, the tie is finely poised as both sides look to gain the upper hand in the two-legged affair which concludes on Monday afternoon in West London.
THE VIEW
Manger Kevin MacDonald has called on Town fans to give the players their full backing against Brentford.
“I’m very excited,” he said. “Obviously for the football club its great and this is a great chance for the players to show the fans how much it means to them. It also gives the fans a chance to get behind the players right from the start at Saturday’s game and to push us all the way to the final.
“The players are excited as well. They’re quietly confident because that’s the way they are but we’re just concentrating on ourselves. If they can get the confidence in them and get the crowd behind them - that’s going to be very important. They’ve been fantastic all season but especially the last couple of games. Even if things aren’t going our way, keep going and drag the players through.”
THE STORY SO FAR
The Bees were a spot-kick away from taking their place in the Championship next season but Marcello Trotta’s penalty struck the woodwork before Doncaster sprang clear and broke Brentford hearts by notching a last-gasp winner and clinching the title for Donny in one fell swoop.
The last month saw Uwe Rosler’s men record just two wins from their seven games in April. After losing to MK Dons on Easter Monday, a draw at Coventry preceded two victories against Crewe and Portsmouth. After that, the Bees drew at Sheffield United and Hartlepool United before losing so dramatically to Doncaster last weekend.
LAST TIME OUT
Clayton Donaldson was the match-winner when the two sides met on both occasions this season. After netting the only goal of the game at SN1 in November, his winner at Griffin Park completed the turnaround for Brentford at Griffin Park to secure a 2-1 victory after Simon Ferry had given Swindon the lead.
Brentford were last beaten at The County Ground in May 2010 when a double from Billy Paynter coupled with a strike from Danny Ward sealed a 3-2 win for Danny Wilson’s promotion-chasing side.
TICKETS
Tickets are still available to buy either in person from the STFC Box Office. Alternatively, you can buy over the phone by calling 0844 880 1095 (0781 876 1993 if you are buying on Saturday) or buy online via www.swindontownfc.talent-sport.co.uk
