It’s Friday, so it must be time for the latest blog by BBC Devon’s Vic Morgan.

Yes, it’s that time of the year again. Twelve months on from when they dumped us ceremoniously out of the FA Cup, Macclesfield return to haunt us again. It was a depressing afternoon wasn’t it? Swindon deservedly beaten by a team which we should have got through against. So one thing’s for sure, we better not take them lightly on Saturday. Moss Rose is never a happy hunting ground for us. Small Mexican dogs come to mind. The famous Chihuahua quote from a previous manager (not sure how you spell that variety of dog) will go down as one of the legendary descriptions of a team.

So we travel to Cheshire and maybe last Saturday’s demolition of Port Vale will have persuaded more to make the journey. The game against Vale was a strange one. The first twenty minutes gave no clue to the outcome. Who would have thought that we’d see seven goals, many of them high quality, and a fine Town performance into the teeth of a gale. For example, the Nile Ranger header from close range came after a quality Dany N’Guessan cross. Dany, or the Gasman as he’s becoming affectionately known, is a fine addition to the squad. Powerful and skilfull, quite a combination in League One.

As for Nathan Byne’s curler and Massimo Luongo’s stepovers? Real skill and a joy to watch. The Vale ‘keeper looked bemused as the ball kept going passed him. After a torrid journey up from Devon because of motorway problems, I’m glad we arrived just in time for the start. It was also good to be there for the minutes silence observed for Armed Forces Day and Remembrance commemorations. It was impeccable and showed real respect.

So then here’s to the cup that cheers and whatever other cliche you wish to add. Let’s hope it does. After Oldham and Preston, I’m a bit fed up of long trips back home from the north after a defeat. Much better the feeling after Rotherham. A place in round two or a free Saturday for Christmas shopping, we should know this weekend.

Keep it loud, keep it proud, keep it Swindon.

Vic

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