Match Review- Cheltenham Town vs Swindon Town

Swindon fans who made the trip to Gloucestershire must have been wishing the game was postponed as was originally planned as Town went down 1-0. Whaddon Road has never been an happy hunting ground for Swindon and their woes continued with a mediocre performance.

Swindon made a bright start to the game; dominating the first 20 minutes as Oliver Risser looked to better his superb debut goal last week. The away fans, including myself, thought Raffaele De Vita scored as we jumped to celebrate. However, the Italian placed wide proving our celebrations were premature.

Alan McCormack replaced Jonathan Smith and showed just why Paolo Di Canio was so keen to bring him to the County Ground. McCormack got stuck into every tackle and an over-zealous challenge earned him a yellow. The combative midfielder also looked to make things happen forward and saw a long-distance shot hit the post.

Nathan Thompson also made his first start of the season; playing from right midfield in front of Paul Caddis. Thompson is a great prospect, but was bemused as to why he was played out of position. Although he made some good tackles, he looked uncomfortable out there and was  often find out of position.

Although it's still early days, Joe Devera looked poor once again in defence and his starting place must be in doubt with Alberto Comazzi ready to takeover. Devera has predominately spent his career at right-back and questions are arising as to if he is more natural at full-back.  However, Joe Devera's partner Aden Flint  did impress once again. Seen as back-up prior to the opening game but has really captailised on Alberto Comazzi's suspension.

Billy Bodin looked like he was to win his side another penalty after he was once again pushed down. It looked more clear-cut than the one that was given in our opening day victory over Crewe. On evident of the two games thus far, Bodin's flair is likely to see similar situations arise throughout this campaign.

Clear-cut chances were few and far between and the match was further evidence of our need for striker. Both Billy Bodin and Raffaele De Vita worked themselves to the ground; they are too similar with neither able to offer an aerial threat to an experienced defence. Alan Connell looked a more complete player and I fully expect him to start against Dagenham & Redbridge.

The game proved my fear that I made in last week's match review as to how Swindon would manage facing more physical sides. Crewe's style of play, passing the ball around and looking to play football is a fairly unique style in League Two and not too different from Town's philosophy.

It is still early days and it is obvious to see that the squad does possess quality throughout. Our main problem is that with so many arrivals, the team is still not gelled as others in the league are. Concern should only arise if we are still stuttering in a month or so. That said, I couldn't bear not to beat arch-rivals Oxford United this week; not that I am forgetting an important game away to Dagenham & Redbridge first.

League Two Season Preview

With the League Two season nearly upon us, I thought it would be apt to give my view on who I think will suceed and exceed expectations and a look at those who may struggle and disappoint.

AFC Wimbledon: The real Dons are the hardest team to predict how they will do during their first ever season in league football. Many have tipped them to struggle and have lost forward Danny Kedwell following a transfer request. Although Wimbledon have always succeeded against the odds and in the face of adversity. I predict a mid-table finish for them this season.

Accrington Stanley: Exceeded expectations last season by finishing 5th and reaching the play-offs by doing so. Stanley lost key player Jimmy Ryan to Scunthorpe United. I would be surprised to see Stanley up there again and personally expect them to struggle and have somewhat of a hangover season finishing in the bottom half.

Aldershot Town: A club that has gone in the right direction in recent seasons. Dean Holdsworth is a fairly unknown quantity as far as management is concerned. A team that could go either way and surprise us all just like they did in the 2009-2010 season. Although I would predict a mid-table finish, making up the numbers finish once again.

Barnet: The Bees did superbly to stay in the Football League when many thought the writing was on the wall for relegation. Barnet were promoted to League Two in 2005 and their aim has always been survival. With their miracle survival, I expect momentum to be on their side and them to have a safe mid-table finish.

Bradford City: Bradford were relegated from the Premier League just 10 years ago and they have had an awful decade since. They were massively disappointing last season, finishing in a lowly 18th which saw the exit of Peter Taylor. Supporters will be expecting much better and at least a challenge for the play-offs. However, I expect a similar tale to last season and will continue to underachieve in the basement division.

Bristol Rovers: Expectations are high at the Memorial Stadium this season following the appointment of Paul Buckle. Rovers have seen many ins and outs with the most notable being the departure of Will Hoskins. They have signed no less than 15 players as they aim for a straight return to the third tier. Buckle fell at the final hurdle with Torquay last season but I expect him to go one better this season.

Burton Albion: Burton were fighting for survival for a large part of last season and I fully expect the same to happen once again. Due to their stature, they struggle to retain players when bigger clubs come calling. Last season they lost top scorer Shaun Harrad in January and have sold keeper Legzdins to Derby County. With this in mind, I expect 22nd place to be an achievement.

Cheltenham Town: Another team that I certainly expect to struggle this time round. Cheltenham have lost top scorer Wes Thomas to money bags Crawley whilst bringing ex-Swindon player Kaid Mohamed as a replacement. Having watched him at the County Ground I know he is no able replacement for Thomas. I would say a relegation scrap is on the cards.

Crawley Town: It is clear to see that new boys Crawley are the Manchester City of the lower leagues. They sprinted out the transfer tracks adding some strength including Hope Akran from Everton and Bristol City striker John Akinde. Despite it being their first ever season in the football league, I expect them to make a serious promotion or even title challenge.

Crewe Alexandra: Finished in a very respectable 10th place last season. Although that was largely thanks to the 28 goals from the now departed Clayton Donaldson. Goalscorers are the hardest players to replace in football. With arrivals at Alexandra looking few and far between I predict a bottom half finish.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Exceeded expectations when they were promoted two seasons ago from this division. Like most relegated sides, the Daggers will have many departures. Right winger Danny Green left for pastures new to join Charlton Athletic. He managed 14 goals and and 13 assists last season so won't be easy to replace. League Two is probably their level so expect a top half finish without threatening the play-offs.

Gillingham: Last season they were somewhat unlucky not to reach the play-offs and Gillingham have made intent they aim to reach the play-offs. Have made a number of signings including six captures in just one day. Danny Kedwell, who scored 24 goals in the Blue Square Premier is the most notable. I would predict a place in the play-offs for the Gills.

One Step Closer

17th June is the day football fans up and down the land have been waiting for. Swindon fans couldn't wait for last season to end so we are been even more eager to forget and start again. This day is one giant step closer to the season beginning.

Swindon kick-off their season with a home contest against Crewe Alexandra on the 6th August. Town fans will be hoping this that a home game will kick start our season nicely and gives us some momentum. It will also give us a good idea of how well Di Canio has assembled a new squad fit for a promotion charge.

Without doubt, the first fixtures all us Town fans frantically searched for was against our fierce rivals from up the A420. We don't have to wait too long with the home game taking place on 20th August; only our second home game our the season. The short trip to the Kassam Stadium is Saturday 3rd March.

With a mainly Southern based league this season, there are some other local derbies in  the face of Cheltenham Town and Bristol Rovers. Our trip to Whaddon Road is our first away game, with the fixture happening on 13th August. The short trips up the M4 versus Bristol Rovers is in December; fans would certainly welcome coming back with some points after failing to do so since 2008.

The fixtures against Blue Square Premier winners Crawley Town are ones I am really looking forward to. Swindon were somewhat shamefully knocked out in the FA Cup by Crawley after being outplayed throughout the replay. Our first opportunity for revenge is at Broadfield on 13th September; our home tie against the Red Devils is on 14th February. There will certainly no love lost for their manager Steve Evans.

Fellow promoted side AFC Wimbledon is our first opportunity to play the real Dons since they were formed in 2002. Their journey have been somewhat remarkable and the trip to  the Kingsmeadow Stadium is an away game high on my list on ones I must do. Swindon's first ever game at the Kingsmeadow Stadium takes place on the 19th November; with the home game being Swindon's first game of 2012 on 2nd January.

Swindon wrap up the 2011/12 season with a trip up to north to West Yorkshire side Bradford City. Hopefully we will be taking to journey up to Valley Parade, having already secured promotion. Although I would also welcome a similar game to our last game in League Two, at home to Walsall as I am sure us Town fans can remember fondly.

For now all I have to say is hurry up Swindon versus Crewe on the 6th August. I have never suffered such strong football withdrawal symptoms. The U21 International tournament just doesn't cut the mustard compared to my beloved Swindon Town.