PREVIEW: Robins finally have lift off as they prepare to welcome Spireites

Chesterfield FC v Swindon Town, Dan GardnerChesterfield FC v Swindon Town, Dan Gardner
Chesterfield FC v Swindon Town, Dan Gardner
Swindon have lifted some of the doom and gloom around the County Ground ahead of their huge relegation clash with the Spireites.

Chesterfield visit Luke Williams’ side on Saturday hoping to drag the mood down into the doldrums again however.

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It’s a clash between fourth bottom and second bottom in League One, two sides staring relegation in the face and local journalist Matt Edwards, chief sports writer at The Swindon Advertiser, says the Robins are starting to make a fight of it.

“Swindon have picked up of late,” he said.

“February was a crucial month for the team in their bid for survival, playing a lot of the teams in and around them, and having only picked up one point prior to the weekend, things were looking bleak.

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“However, the performance in the 0-0 draw against Oldham was much improved, and on the number of shots alone, they deserved to take all three points.

“Saturday’s win was a shot in the arm ahead of another important game in the relegation mix on Saturday against Chesterfield.

“Having shored things up at the back in recent weeks, the goals finally came against a poor Coventry side.”

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According to Edwards, the change in fortunes appears to have stemmed from Williams taking back control of first team affairs from Tim Sherwood and clearly communicating what he wants from players.

It’s timely, because club was in need of a lift.

“Until Saturday, it was definitely doom and gloom, with no sign of where the next win was coming,” said Edwards.

“The atmosphere at the ground had started to turn a bit toxic, with many turning on chairman Lee Power and in turn, head coach Luke Williams.

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“However, it is amazing what one result can do and there is a renewed belief among the fans. How long that will last, depends on how they fair at home to Gillingham and Chesterfield.”

Their transfer window dealings have been described as a mixed bag, with eight new faces – six of them loans.

Rohan Ince, a January loan signing from Brighton and Hove Albion has done well since arriving, adding a physical presence to the Swindon midfield.

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And ex Spireite Nicky Ajose, back at Swindon on loan from Charlton, bagged a brace at the weekend to suggest a return to form.

Likely line-up (5-3-2): Vigouroux, Barry, Thompson, Branco, Jones, Brophy, Colkett, Ince, Gladwin, Obika, Ajose.