Former BBC Wiltshire match commentator Vic Morgan returns for the 2016/17 season…

Here it is then… The fixture that most Town fans have been looking forward too since the end of last season.

While we’ve played the team from along the A420 relatively recently, it’s a game that’s been anticipated all summer. More on the derby game with the side from the Kassam shortly.

First though some thoughts on last weekends draw at Peterborough. The one term you can never use in relation to our games with the Posh is boring. Meetings between the two sides always seem to provide talking points aplenty. This one was no exception.

Two penalties, an own goal and a disputed free kick which led to the opening score, gave much topic for discussion on the journey home. Even the early kick off was unusual. Twelve fifteen is an odd time to start the game. Not mid- day or twelve thirty, but at T.V’s convenience, on the quarter hour.

When you live in Devon and support the Town, early starts aren’t unusual but leaving at five thirty a.m. is a bit of a jolt. Nonetheless a deserved point for Swindon and a decent game which really came to life after the break.

Just like the match against Bristol Rovers, there was rain. Heavy, but not quite as biblical as the week before. Lots to talk about then on the return journey and, yes, as we made our way past a certain city thoughts obviously turned to this weekend.

My memories of games with the team that wears yellow stretch back many years. I guess the one I remember with greatest fondness is one from the early nineteen seventies.

A mid table finish in the old division two beckoned and it was a real highlight in a season that was petering out. Arthur Horsfield, a Town striker of great renown, hit a hat trick and John Trollope added a fourth just before the end to seal an emphatic win. Four nil at home in front of over fourteen thousand fans. Doesn’t get much better than that.

I suppose the close proximity of the clubs is the main reason for the rivalry. A little matter of just thirty miles means it really is a local derby.

Sadly though, that’s often led to an atmosphere unwanted by most fans who go to the game. Yes, you want that edge when it comes to a game against the team nearest to you, but you also want to enjoy the match without fear for your safety.

For many this is one to tick off the list, get out of the way, because of what it brings with it. I fervently hope that our visit to the Kassam passes off peacefully.

The last time we played there in the league was one of the most unpleasant afternoons I’ve spent at a game since the really bad old days in the Seventies and Eighties. I’m hoping for a great match and a peaceful afternoon. I’m remaining optimistic that may happen. Remember it’s YOUR club you represent.

Keep it loud keep it proud keep it SWINDON!