Swindon Town kicked off the season with a 2-0 victory at Scunthorpe United - one of their best opening results for many a year, writes, Peter Mitchell.

Against Scunthorpe, many peoples’ favourite for a swift return to League One, they produced a super display of counter-attacking football.

Fielding six debutants, Dion Conroy, the new club captain, was the only familiar face in the back four. Swindon’s failure to acquire more fire power during the pre-season was probably the main reason why out of favour Keshi Anderson was given a surprise starting place.

Following two recent friendlies at the County Ground, new signing Lloyd Isgrove was already a hit with the fans even before this impressive performance on his league debut. The diminutive roaming wide player looks like he will be a real handful for any opponent this season, and should make up for the disappointment of not securing last season’s loanee Kyle Bennett.

Although the home side huffed and puffed a bit in the first half there were no serious concerns for the Town defence until a minute before the break when, after a goal line clearance, Matthew Lund struck a shot against the post.

The game was more open in the second half, giving Swindon opportunities to break at pace. On the hour-mark, Isgrove controlled perfectly a ball from defence before delivering a gem of a pass to Jerry Yates. The new young Town striker showed coolness in taking the ball round the Irons keeper for the opener.

Full-back Zeki Fryers provided the opening for Swindon’s second just ten minutes later. Bringing the ball out of defence he found Kaiyne Woolery, who in turn fed Anderson who finished well.

This was a solid display from the new Town defence and with good covering in midfield, plus numerous explosive bursts from the front men, there is no doubt as to who deserved the three points.

Both Woolery and Anderson really do have to step up to the mark and finally prove themselves this season, but if this early showing is anything to go by, most fans will be hoping the latter’s name is swiftly removed from the transfer list.

Manager Richie Wellens is still looking to secure one or two more players before the end of the month, including a striker, so things really seem to be off to a positive start. He has just signed Frenchman Sidy Sanokho on a short-term contract and the big youngster could turn out to be a real surprise package.