In case you missed it see what’s in this section
We recommend
Let's Talk
Your Total Guide To sport
Vic Morgan: Confidence An Early Christmas Present For Town
Lifelong Swindon Town fan and columnist Vic Morgan gives his definitive stance on everything Robins related, every week on Total Sport. Looking ahead to the festive period, Morgan believes Town fans should be confident going into two big clashes.
What a way to go into Christmas! Four wins in a row and a much healthier league position.
The victory at Shrewsbury was one built on a fine first half and a resilient second. A difficult first ten minutes was weathered in the wind and rain and the Town wrestled control from the Shrews.
The only goal was brilliant. Okay it seemed a simple tap in for Nicky Ajose, but the cross from Anton Rodgers was sublime. Whipped in with the outside of the boot it's one of the finest pieces of wing play I've seen in many a long year. It's fair to say that Rodgers has had his critics this season but that piece of skill was extraordinary. It's definitely one of my moments of the season so far and bearing in mind how well he played at Chesterfield, it's time to give the midfielder some credit.
It was also great to see Ben Gladwin take on some shooting responsibility too. Following his goal against Rochdale, he's obviously been given license to have a shot when he gets the opportunity. It's part of his natural game and the part that's been missing since his return to the club. Certainly in wet conditions a long range effort is always worth a go with a slippery ball difficult for goalkeepers.
Some great football in the first half then and some great defending in the second. In spite of a fair amount of pressure, the Shrews found it difficult to break through.
Defensively Swindon are looking strong. Since the debacle at Fleetwood, the opposition have found it hard to create chances and that must lead to confidence for the remainder of the season.
The presence of Adam El-Abd has been a major factor and it would be great to see him get a more permanent deal in January. The partnership between El-Abd and Rafael Rossi-Branco has been looking strong and reliable. Something that's worth building on.
After the run of wins, some difficult games are on the horizon. None more so than on Boxing Day against Gillingham at the County Ground and Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium. Two of the top sides in the division in quick succession.
With the Town's improving form, they're matches to look forward to in confidence. A good festive spell can turn your season round and there's no reason to think Swindon won't do well.
For football fans of course, this is a very special time of the year. Fixtures come thick and fast and they're a chance to blow away the extravagance of the next few days.
Whatever happens, I hope you and yours have a very happy Christmas and here's to Santa delivering. Why shouldn't he? He does wear red and white.
Weather in Swindon
Listings