As your going to match at Carlisle on Saturday, could you write a match report for us? That’s what Ron the Washbag editor kindly asked. Of course I said, shouldn’t be a problem, writes Vic Morgan.

Well for reasons which I’ll go into greater detail about later in the week, it’s a bigger problem than I thought. Briefly, there was a hold up on the M6. Frustrating though that it is, I believe it was a fatal accident involving a car and a van. Our problems are minuscule compared to that. My thoughts are with those affected.

So apologies for this report missing some important bits I.E. four goals, patterns of play, reaction to team selection, the usual introduction to reports such as this. However I’m going to claim the Arsene Wenger amendment, I just didn’t see them.

For the first twenty five minutes, we listened to the game courtesy of BBC Radio Cumbria. We heard Carlisle score, we then heard the equaliser, and then the Cumbrians go back in front.

The second equaliser went in as we left the bus, and hoped for an easy passage into the ground. One turnstile open, an over officious steward who insisted on searching my back pack and someone wanting to sell programmes which caused a queue. Yes lots to talk about in the blog next Friday.

To the game then and how it went. Well for the last ten minutes of the first half, it seemed even Stevens. And a chance to catch my breath and relax. A couple of good saves from Wes in goal, which shows, perhaps, he’s having to work harder this season than last.

The whistle blew for the start of the second. Swindon with Foderingham in goal, and a back four of Devera, Ward, McCormack and McEveley, a midfield of Ritchie, Ferry, Miller and Rooney A. Up front Williams and Benson. No flint in the back four which was a surprise to many, and no John Bostock in the squad, perhaps the biggest talking point on the coach.

Simon Ferry had early chance to have put the Town in front, but appears to lack that little bit of confidence to have a shot. It would have been great to see the popular Scot score but twice when in good positions delayed crucially. It looked a game between two solid mid table sides, and that impression didn’t change too much.

The appearance of Gary Roberts was one which Swindon fans have been waiting for, came about seven minutes into the second half. Adam Rooney, who apparently scored his first for the Reds earlier, made way. Roberts on for his first appearance since pre season immediately made his presence felt. An old fashioned winger who loves to run with the ball at his feet, he made several telling crosses. He also delivered one delicious through ball for James Collins, another second half substitute, who was denied by smart work by the Carlisle ‘keeper.

It was a cross from Jay McEveley which should have provided a third Swindon goal. The ball found Darren Ward in a great position, but he diverted his header over the bar much to his, and the brave Town fans who were there, frustration. A couple of shots from Matt Ritchie also tested the Carlisle goalkeeper, and for the most part, Swindon enjoyed the majority of second half possession.

But I’d always take at point at places like Brunton Park. It was a subdued Paolo Di Canio in his post match walk over to the Swindon supporters. PDC’s gesture was one of realisation maybe that this season might not be the romp many think it’s going to be, and that many hard games rest between now and the end of the campaign. It’s also true to say that Andy Williams and James Collins desperately need goals. The longer the league drought goes on, the harder it becomes.

Of course we shouldn’t forget the two Carlisle goals came from one Jake Jervis. A former Town loanee who made an impression last season.

More on the longest day in Friday’s blog, but for now Swindon sit mid table and I think that’s about right the way the opening month has gone

Strange old day, game a bit of a blur but a draw fair enough.