Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Match Previews

Preview: Swindon Town (H)

23 August 2019

It's a huge West Country encounter between Cheltenham Town and Swindon Town at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium on Saturday (kick-off: 3pm).

The season may still be only a few weeks old but it is a 5th and against 7th meeting for two clubs only 32 miles apart in League Two.

Both teams are locked on seven points from the opening four games of the season, and Swindon will travel in good voice looking to make an impact on a fantastic home record Michael Duff's men have continued to build following Tuesday's strong home win against Carlisle United.

Tickets are available to buy for Saturday's game at the turnstiles. You can also purchase online here.

Team news

Midfielder Rohan Ince misses out against his former club as he sits out the last game of his suspension.

Reuben Reid and Max Sheaf have injuries that rule them out. Alex Addai and Chris Hussey are in contention after recent fitness concerns.

Conor Thomas is another who could line up against his old side, as well as Ben Tozer who started his senior career at the County Ground.

Watch Michael Duff's press conference this week looking ahead to the game:

Opposition

With Richie Wellens now set for his first full season in charge at the County Ground the former Doncaster Rovers midfielder will be hoping to be the man responsible for guiding Swindon back to the third tier.

He will not be in the dugout for Saturday's clash though. He is serving a two game ban after being served an improper conduct charge by the Football Association.

His team have though made a decent start to the new campaign. They've got seven points on the board so far from their first four outings, losing for the first time on Tuesday night in controversial circumstances in a tight home game with Northampton.

The Robins back line will be well aware of the threat the Wiltshire side have on the attack. Michael Duff has already highlighted Swindon's counter-attacking qualities, and with the likes of Kaiyne Woolery and his pace, and recent signing Eoin Doyle they will be a dangerous team up top.

They may be missing Wales international Lloyd Isgrove through injury, while former Manchester United full back Zeki Fryer is definitely out.

Nevertheless they've built a quality squad that has strength in all areas, from the experience of shot-stopper Luke McCormick, to the style of central midfield man Michael Doughty - it will certainly be the team's toughest test so far this season.

Last meeting

It was the final home outing at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium last season when both teams previously met.

That day Cheltenham boasted a 3-0 lead for much of the game, but had a late scare when Swindon bagged two late goals.

Luke Woolfenden's own goal put the Robins in front and it was 2-0 four minutes later when Billy Waters struck.

Kevin Dawson then found the net for the last time in a Cheltenham shirt to complete a first half rout.

The visitors almost earned a late draw in the second half though. Firstly on 84 minutes striker Theo Robinson found the net and then in stoppage time Marc Richards also scored.

Cheltenham held on to the three points though to end last season at the Jonny-Rocks on a winning note.

Watch the highlights from that game here:

Tickets

Tickets in home areas for Saturday's match can be purchased from the turnstiles.

Fans with season tickets for Block 7 of the Completely Motoring Colin Farmer Stand will not be able to access this area of the stadium for this game. Supporters in this section will be able to use their season tickets in the Speedy Skips Stand.

The ticket office is open before the match from midday for fans wanting to buy tickets for the upcoming away match at Crawley or for Junior Robins membership and season tickets.

The club shop will also be open in the lead up to the game for supporters wanting to buy CTFC merchandise.

Match programme

Be sure to pick up a copy of the club's new look match programme from outlets around the stadium, including the club shop.

Priced at £3, Saturday's issue includes a big interview with midfield man Conor Thomas as he gets to take on his old side, as well as further interviews with Gavin Reilly and Jacob Greaves.

There are also features with Ben Tozer and Scott Flinders, plus more from the chairman, Michael Duff, a look back at days gone by and plenty of other great reads to enjoy before the big kick-off.

Coverage

Stay up to date as events unfold by following @CTFCofficial on Twitter for match updates, team news, pictures and videos from the Jonny-Rocks. There are also goal updates available on Facebook during the game too.

Afterwards visit the club website to check out the match report and reaction from the manager and a member of the playing squad.

Listen in to match commentary on iFollow here.


Advertisement block