After the dire game in September I was never looking forward to this return fixture with Forest Green Rovers that just happened to fall on my birthday, writes Peter Mitchell.

My apprehension was well founded as this turned out to be a very scrappy affair won by an equally scrappy single goal. An instantly forgettable experience and certainly no birthday treat!

With the exception of new midfield loan signing Ollie Banks (Oldham Athletic), who replaced the injured Amine Linganzi, Swindon were again unchanged.

Neither side seemed able to construct much in the way of decent moves although the Town had the slight edge in the first half and were denied by two good saves by Rovers’ keeper Brad Collins, both from Keshi Anderson.

The second half was much the same with Swindon making more openings but failing to carve out too many clear-cut opportunities. The deciding strike came after a frantic goal mouth scramble when Luke Norris poked the ball home with just ten minutes remaining.

Following the goal, manager Dave Flitcroft’s late substitutions were again rather puzzling. Kaiyne Woolery who looked the most dangerous attacker by far was replaced with Ben Purkiss also coming on for the versatile Kyle Knowles. Presumably the manager’s intent was to preserve what they had but it seemed to result in the Town defence sitting deeper and encouraged Rovers to come forward and apply unnecessary pressure.

Its good to see young wing backs Ellis Iandalo and Knowles being given a deservedly extended run, as they have the necessary engines to get up and down the flanks more effectively than Matt Taylor and Purkiss. However, they are both young and inexperienced, so some patience and understanding will be needed.

This Swindon victory means they have now won three on the bounce since changing to three central defenders and remain within spitting distance of the automatic promotion places. Next week sees them visit a strong Coventry City side who will offer a stiffer test for the defence.

Forest Green seemed to have beefed up their line up with recent signings and with Doidge and Reid they have an impressive strike partnership, but they will need more influential play makers before they can make the most of this potential.

In other news, Swindon Town have been active in the transfer window with two additions to date. Apart from Ollie Banks - on loan for the rest of the season - they have signed free agent striker Marc Richards on an 18 month contract. Although aged 35, Richards has been a regular goalscorer at the League 1/League 2 level. He has played almost 600 games with a return of 175 goals to date and his most prolific spells have been with Port Vale and Northampton. 

Having played for 11 or 12 clubs in his career I can only think he resides in a caravan !

This is obviously a signing targeted specifically to get Town promoted either this season or next. It is also expected that midfielder Keshi Anderson will make his move from Crystal Palace permanent in the next few days.

No definite news of any outgoings, but speculation remains strong that goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux will be departing for pastures new - but not for the monetary gain that Swindon had hoped for.