THE Swindon Town squad returned unscathed from their tough five-day boot camp in the Algarve which included playing out a 0-0 draw with Bristol Rovers, writes Peter Mitchell.

There was no rest for the Town as they returned to play two behind-closed-doors training games earlier this week.

Swindon took on a Derby County U23s side on Tuesday, losing 4-0, before a completely different XI produced a hugely encouraging display against the mighty Benfica at the England FA’s St George’s Park HQ on Wednesday.

Millwall loanee Harry Smith got on the scoresheet in a 2-1 defeat. Town travel to National League side Woking on Saturday for a pre-season friendly. Woking have this week been the subject of takeover rumours from North Korean investors.

Town’s final pre-season run-out will be at Chippenham Town on Monday evening (7pm) ahead of the opening game of the League Two season on the following Saturday, (August 5).

Manager Dave Flitcroft still claims to be three players short of the squad he wants ahead of the new campaign.

On the trip to Portugal he took an as-yet unnamed triallist.

So far Flitcroft has made nine signings: Paul Mullin, James Dunne, Harry Smith, Chris Robertson, Chris Hussey, Ben Purkiss, Olly Lancashire, Amine Linganzi and Donal McDermott.