MACCLESFIELD 1 SWINDON TOWN 2

By Peter Mitchell

Welcome back Marc Richards, who scored his first Swindon goal since August, when his first-half header levelled the scores against Macclesfield. This and an injury time strike by Jak McCourt gave the Town their first ever win at Moss Rose.

In a scrappy match, where both sides had plenty of opportunities to win, these were three good points coming so soon after the disappointment against Exeter last Tuesday.

Swindon's two new loan signings, striker Ben House from Reading and utility player Canice Carroll from Brentford, both made appearances. Matt Taylor and Michael Doughty were relegated to the bench, and Dion Conroy reverted to central defence to cover for the missing Sid Nelson.

Town had an early set back when, after 15 minutes, Tyrone Marsh scored well following a Macclesfield free-kick.

Shortly afterwards Lawrence Vigouroux almost committed another faux pas, when nonchalantly trying to clear. He dropped the ball at Scott Wilson's feet, but he fired wide in front of an open goal.

With Taylor missing, McCourt took a free-kick after 37 minutes and Richards beat everyone to head home from six yards.

Kyle Knowles went off injured early in the second-half and Carroll immediately showed his versatility by dropping back from midfield to full back.

Then in injury time, with Macclesfield pressing forward, Swindon made good use of their pacey frontrunners. Sub Jermaine McGlashan made an electrifying run from mid-way in his own half, and put over a good cross that was well headed down by House, for McCourt to add to his earlier assist.

It appears that Elijah Adebayo has returned to Fulham having scored four goals in his 30 appearances for the Robins. In addition, Steve Alzate has returned to Brighton having unfortunately suffered an injury that will likely keep him out until April at least. This has opened up the two loan slots to accommodate House and Carroll.

The future of Nelson remains in the balance although the comment from Richie Wellens that he could be fit and back for next Saturday, might mean that at the very least his loan may be extended until May. That would be good news indeed.

What will have many Town fans scratching their heads, myself included, is that from the very beginning the manager has said his squad is top heavy with inexperienced young players and he needs to rebalance it. Then we see his first two signings in the shape of 18 and 19 year olds, who have 16 first team appearances between them. Are these guys really going to be that much better than other young players that we already have ? He also now seems to be hanging his hat on a fit again Marc Richards doing the business up front. However, it is early days for the Transfer Window, so we must wait and see what unfolds in the next couple of weeks. The Chairman has said that money is available, so let's remain optimistic.

Next Saturday Swindon host league leaders Lincoln City, in what promises to be an attractive fixture with Town thirsty for revenge after their 4-1 drubbing in early season.