BBC Radio Wiltshire commentator Vic Morgan continues his weekly blog only here on The Washbag.

Well I don’t know about you, but I would gladly have taken a point against Port Vale last Saturday.

On paper it was going to be one of, if not THE, toughest of Swindon’s away games in the early part of the season.

A couple of changes brought more than a ripple of interest. Lukas Magera and Lander Gabilondo back in the frame, and how crucial they proved to be. The Spanish winger revelled in Vale Park’s wide open spaces, and set up Magera for his first Town goal. It was a super strike, and you hoped that it might be the goal to really give Lukas the boost he needed in his Swindon career…events in the next game provided another hiccup sadly.

A second from the penalty spot, after Magera had been pushed inside the box. Mehdi Kerrouche hitting his seventh of the campaign.

Swindon saw the game out very comfortable, and provided them with their 5th consecutive Football League clean sheet…just one away from the club record in 1968-69. That season was arguably the best in the clubs history, a League Cup final triumph against Arsenal and promotion to the old Second Division. So to equal that would be quite something…all eyes now on AFC Wimbledon a week on Saturday.

My journey from Devon on Saturday morning took me on the diversion put in place because of the terrible accident on the M5 on Friday evening. The full horror of that tragedy unfolded while I was presenting the Late Show in the South West. It was a sobering night, and one which I hope will never be repeated. Our respects go to those who lost their lives and their families. The incident teaches us to take nothing for granted while travelling to watch our football team.

WOMBLE ON….

Working while your team is in action over a hundred miles away, is never a satisfactory experience. That’s how it was on Tuesday, when the Town were taking on AFC Wimbledon in the JPT. Didn’t appear to be the greatest of games, but does that matter now..?

I was delighted for Phil Smith, who once again has turned out to be a penalty shoot-out hero…remember Exeter City, Charlton etc.

To save three penalties in one shoot out is exceptional. Hopefully now people will GET OFF HIS BACK, it’s about time.

Can’t really comment on the performance as I wasn’t there, but a wins a win, and it’s the area semi final next.
What is clear, is that the team is now getting that winning habit. The victory over Port Vale was as complete as you’ll see, and despite not playing that well on Tuesday, allegedly, they made it through.

It’s a great time to be a Town fan, loving it aren’t you…?

THE CUP THAT CHEERS…

Yes the FA Cup returns this weekend. It couldn’t be a lot tougher than against Huddersfield, and there are one or two notable absentees from the squad. Including the aforementioned Magera, who’s picked up another injury against the Wombles.

A win in the Cup is always great, it gives you that excuse to sit through the endless ITV draw for the next round…just draw the *bleep bleep* balls please…and hope for an attractive tie.

Of course the real hope is to make it through to the 3rd Round and draw out one of the big clubs. Least it used to be, not sure I’m that interested in seeing a Premier League reserve team quite frankly.

Danny Ward will be in the Huddersfield team, welcome back Danny. No Swindon fan will ever forget the Valley.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR POPPY WITH PRIDE….

I’ll be on BBC Wiltshire on Saturday afternoon, and you can follow me on Twitter @swindonred.

Keep it loud, Keep it proud, Keep it SWINDON.

Vic

Follow @swindonred