Town Flier with Peter Mitchell

Blackpool 2 v 0 Swindon Town

Despite glorious sunshine, Swindon’s first trip to Blackpool for five years was not a happy seaside outing.

Both Jerry Yates and Keshi Anderson – two important players from Town’s promotion side last season – started for the home side.

Town started brightly and were the best team for the first twenty minutes – playing the ball about quickly and probing the home defence.

Midfielder Anthony Grant seemed to be continuing where he had left off, when made last year’s Player of the Year, and was winning balls everywhere.

Jonny Smith was looking sharp and an excellent run ended with his shot going just wide.

Unfortunately he retired a few minutes later and there is no doubt his continued presence would have made quite a difference.

Some great individual skill from Diallang Jaiyesimi gave a chance to Tyler Smith but his difficult header went wide.

Gradually Blackpool took more control in midfield and started to make opportunities.

Just before half time, Swindon failed to close down C J Hamilton as he burst into their box, and he fired low past Matej Kovar.

The 1,000 home supporters allowed in the ground were well spread out and making themselves heard.

Town went into the break under pressure and it was no great surprise that they fell further behind soon after the restart.

Hunt was beaten hands down by Hamilton who cut inside and shot low inside the near post.

Kovar appears to be slow getting down to some shots, so hopefully that can be quickly remedied.

Earlier Town had brought on their latest signing Joel Grant (ex-Plymouth) – which meant even more difficulty for any commentators, who were already dealing with the three Smiths!

Swindon almost dragged themselves back into it with 20 minutes left, when Hallam Hope was unlucky to see a good curling shot come back off the inside of the post.

We always thought Blackpool would be a very different proposition to Rochdale.

In the end Swindon were well beaten by Hamilton and his fellow Tangerines, and can have little to complain about.

It was great to see fit again Mathieu Bawdry back in defence but I feel Zeki Fryers needs to be at wing back, once Richie Wellens has a full squad to pick from.

Swindon appear to be putting together a very decent squad but they do need to get more crosses into the box – Brett Pitman needs to be given chances - and they have to do something about winning more balls in the air – upfront as well as at the back.

At the moment there seems to be a few square pegs in round holes – but it is early days.

Next Saturday they play Burton Albion at home.

One bad Blackpool memory that lingers for me is from season 1986/87.

Newly promoted Swindon were humiliated at home 2-6 by the Seasiders - but they then recovered their season to gain a second promotion under Lou Macari, to what is now the Championship.

Let’s hope that Town’s very brief appearance at the top of this division last week is not the only time they will figure there.