Swindon travelled to Sixfields on New Year’s Eve determined to enter 2012 on a high after a disappointing defeat to Torquay on Boxing Day. In what was a must win game for both teams, the stakes could not have been higher writes Andrew Steele-Davis.

There were more than a few surprised faces amongst Town fans come the announcing of the team selection, with Aden Flint and Simon Ferry both dropping to the bench with Joe Devera and Oliver Risser coming into the fold. Liam Ridehalgh, who has returned to Huddersfield, was replaced by Callum Kennedy in the starting line up.

The absence of Aden Flint in the Town defence had an unsettling effect with the usual solid back looking vulnerable and susceptible to Northampton’s long ball tactics. Michael Jacobs forced the first of a string of fine saves from ‘Super Wesley Foderingham’, who to the delight of all the Town fans has just penned a permanent deal with the club.

Ronan Murray, starting his first game for Town since his arrival from Ipswich, clipped the crossbar after a surging run before Matt Ritchie tried an audacious lob from forty yards but home keeper Shane Higgs got back just in time to snuff out the danger.

Former Swindon defender Ben Tozer was the next player to force Foderingham into action, his downward header being pushed away to safety. Murray then had another chance to put the visitors ahead, firing across the goal but Higgs produced a superb low save to deny the loanee.

After just 21 minutes on the clock and an explosive opening to the game, it was the home side that scored the opening goal of the game. A marauding run from Jacobs inside Town’s penalty area was brought to an abrupt end by a reckless challenge by Matt Ritchie. Jacobs proceeded to score from 12 yards to send the hosts in at half time with a slender lead.

Alan Connell replaced the ineffective Lukas Magera at half-time, leaving all Town fans wondering when the Czech international’s career at Swindon will start to get going.

The change up front revitalised Swindon with Connell and Murray working well up front together, and Murray had a golden chance to level the scores just five minutes after the restart, his effort just going past the near post in front of a vocal following from Wiltshire.

Foderingham then produced the save of the game, and perhaps the save of the season. Saido Berahino’s powerful header looked to be going in but Foderingham leapt like a salmon to somehow claw the ball away to safety.

Simon Ferry came on to replace Jonathan Smith, who had a quiet game, and the likable Scott nearly made an instant impression, his header just drifting wide. Town completely dominated proceedings in the second half but Northampton’s stubborn defence tormented Town players and fans alike.

However, Town finally made the breakthrough on 67 minutes, Connell showing his worth with a timed run to perfection and then good skill to beat a man to make space to strike the ball home to level the scores.

Aden Flint was then brought on by Di Canio to deal with the threat of Adebayo Akinfenwa, who was brought on by the home side. Town looked to be heading for a point after Oliver Risser was dismissed for an elbow on John Johnson.

But, despite having less players on the field, the team spirit installed by Di Canio shone through as in the dying seconds of the game, Alan McCormack made a lung bursting run into the box and then produced a fantastic finish to send everyone connected with Town into raptures. This included Di Canio, who ran across the pitch to celebrate with the players and travelling support in front of the stand; a truly fantastic celebration and what a moment to sign off 2011. For his exuberance Paolo was given his marching orders, but didn’t seem to care, raising a clenched fist to the players as he left to walk down the tunnel.

It was a vital three points for Town who are still right in the chase for the automatic places. With Paul Benson now signed, and Luke Rooney and Izale McCloud seemingly set to follow, 2012 looks set to be an exciting time Swindon Town.

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