from swindontownfc.co.uk

There’s me only a few days ago posting my league predictions… Swindon to finish 3rd I triumphantly stated! However the Wembley hangover continued.

Like last season Town started with an opening defeat, after going down 2-1 against Brighton at the County Ground this afternoon in what was ultimately a disappointing and disjointed game for both sides.

Town were sorry and second best throughout. At times it appeared the players didn’t know each other. There was a distinct lack of direction with no clear ideas on how to make any impact in the final third.

Perhaps our lack of creativity was worst demonstrated by our absent wing play and width. JP McGovern was so often our creative linchpin from the wing last season with the most number of assists in League One. JP was missing during large sections of play as he drifted inside and as a result, the narrow and clustered midfield failed to create any chances.

The second half saw Amankwaah push higher up on the right side, pushing McGovern into a more central position alongside Prutton (later replaced by Ferry) and Douglas. Of course this left the inevitable gaps in a stretched 3 man defence, which were inevitably exploited for the Brighton 2nd, a clinical counter attack.

This isn’t to say Brighton were  a class apart. The truth is they were more determined and better organised, that won them the game, simple.

A potential turning point saw Charlie Austin put through on goal only to be brought down by the out-rushing Kasper Ankergren. With the crowd baying for a sending off, only a caution was shown. I didn’t have the best view (I’ll await Iain’s comment) but there was cover, Ankergren wasn’t the last man, plus Austin’s last touch knocked the ball wide of the goal. So at first glance I’d agree that Ankergren wasn’t denying a goal scoring opportunity. Ultimately we scored from resultant free kick, so at least there is some justice.

So then, why after 5 weeks of pre-season where we not adequately prepared and organised?

Well we hardly had a challenging pre-season. A single home game last week against Nottm Forest, away games at non-league Supermarine, Cirencester Town, Poole Town, League  Two Hereford United, plus two tour games in Austria, may be to blame. Insufficient time and games to play against quality opposition, particularly on the County Ground pitch, is surely needed to build the team to make the best possible start. This is no excuse, however preparation is the key.

With a crowd of over 10,000 in the County Ground today, it’s disappointing that the majority of the support will leave despondent. Hopefully the many who followed us to Wembley and turned up to support the Robins on this opening day, won’t be put off by this apt performance and will return for the Brentford game.

Anyway, it’s only early days. One game doesn’t make a season.

Town v Brighton Starting XI