BBC Devon’s Vic Morgan writes his latest blog for TheWashbag.com…

Quite a week then. It started with a bright first half against Sheffield United, which saw a disappointing second forty five minutes against the Blades. A busy closing of the transfer window and a penalty shoot out victory at Newport County.

It was clear when Nathan Byrne left the County Ground pitch at the weekend that it was a farewell appearance. Forty eight hours later he’d moved to the Championship and Wolves. A terrific transfer for a player who Town fans will wish well. Nathan showed flashes of brilliance and has been a key member of the squad. Hope he impresses his new supporters at Molineux. It can be a tough gig, good luck to him.

So, one out and he was followed by Miles Storey’s departure to Inverness and Michael Smith’s last minute switch to Barnsley. There was a picture of Smithy eating a pre match meal before the Newport JPT tie circulated on social media. Was he allowed to finish it or was it taken away mid bite? Wonder what the league rules are on that one.

So off to Rodney Parade with a depleted squad which enabled only three substitutes and that included a goalkeeper. You could argue that’s all you need anyway as only three are allowed in a game. This brought some great gallows humour from the Swindon fans who’d travelled 59.9 miles according to the welcome notice on the main concourse. Now that’s accuracy, although I wonder which end of the County Ground the measurement was taken.

It wasn’t a great game but a penalty shoot out victory is a great thing for Swindon, a rarity. To convert all seven spot kicks is tremendous and reward for a hard working and young looking Town team. A word too about the Anton Rodgers goal which put Swindon ahead. Tremendous finish from a player who’s certainly proving his worth this term. Newport got back in late on but the penalties prevailed and a place in round two is the prize.

Transfer window shut, deals done? It appears not. A fans favourite has returned in the shape of Nicky Ajose. Certainly a player who made himself popular in his loan spell a couple of seasons back. Nicky always got a warm reception and now he’s a permanent fixture. Loan signing Wes Thomas has arrived from Birmingham and the squad looks healthy again.

That squad travels to Crewe on Saturday. Let’s hope the players all know each other’s names by then. It’s always difficult getting to know new faces at the start of the season for supporters, now we have to do it all again. Never mind, if they’re in Swindon shirts then they’ll get the backing from us they need. Oh and looking forward to a visit to the excellent Gresty Road chippy.

Keep it loud keep it proud keep it SWINDON!