Swindon Town 1-3 Northampton Town: Five Things We Learned

Swindon suffered their third home defeat on the bounce on Tuesday night and Total Sport's Ryan Walker outlined the five things we learned from the encounter.

1) Possession doesn’t win matches

The introduction of Luke Williams at the helm of the Robins brought with it a possession-based style of play that has yet to prove overwhelmingly successful.

Tuesday night gave Town the perfect opportunity to carry on from where they left off, following a 2-0 away win at Oldham over the weekend, but unfortunately the tip-tap football failed to break down the Cobblers' defence.

A similar story emerged as Swindon had 56% of possession but lost the game and this just proves that possession certainly does not win matches.

2) A change in formation is needed

A 3-5-2 formation may give width on the pitch and provide a side with opportunities to exploit defences down the wing, but it also leaves you vulnerable at the back, especially if you lack pace at the heart of your team.

While it may have proved successful at the start of the season, teams have quickly worked out that a long ball over the top of Swindon’s defence will provide you with goal-scoring opportunities.

It is a formation that relies on your side having quick players who can keep up with opposing strikers and this is something Swindon lack. A change in tactics is needed.

3) Sean Murray needs to start matches

The introduction of Sean Murray at half time was a smart change from Williams and provided Swindon with the attacking spark that was much-needed following an underwhelming first half of football.

When he was on the ball Swindon looked dangerous, and Murray became the important link-up man knocking the ball around nicely in the middle of the park. A well-taken goal from Murray drew Town level and it would be no surprise should he start against Shrewsbury on Saturday.

4) Confidence is a problem

Losing matches brings with it a whole host of negatives, but the biggest problem for Luke Williams and his backroom staff may be working out how to raise the confidence levels of a side that appear short of ideas. After going a goal down against the Cobblers, Town did well to get back into the game.

However, after conceding two easy goals it was clear to see that the Swindon player’s heads had dropped and confidence had reached a low on the pitch. A loss against Shrewsbury at the weekend could see Town drop into the relegation zone and Williams will be desperate to mentally lift his players.

5) Michael Doughty is a massive miss

After signing on loan at the start of the season from QPR, Michael Doughty filled the creative playmaking role that Swindon needed. He brought finesse, an eye for goal, and playmaking abilities that made Town’s attack dangerous.

But after complications with an appendix operation, Doughty has been on the sidelines and Swindon Town have looked lost without him. Slow play around the box fails to threaten an opposition’s defence and without Doughty, Swindon lacks a player that can provide that final key ball to unlock a resolute backline.