Terriers test for Swindon

Friday, 18/03/2011

by Michael Baker, Shoot's Swindon blogger

Swindon boss Paul Hart was again made to wait for his first victory as manager as the Robins drew with lowly Dagenham and Redbridge, leaving them firmly embroiled in the League One relegation fight.

A fortunate equaliser from Jon Nurse handed Dagenham & Redbridge a share of the spoils as Town failed to win for the 14th consecutive League One match this afternoon.

Swindon dominated for large chunks of the 90 minutes, and took the lead just before the break when Mike Grella latched onto Phil Smith's long ball to lob Tony Roberts in the Daggers' goal.

But they couldn’t double their lead, as David Prutton, Scott Cuthbert, Matt Ritchie and Jonathan Douglas all went close, only to be denied by an inspired Roberts.

At the other end, Dagenham looked dangerous on occasion, but it was a moment of immense good fortune that ensured they left Wiltshire with a point.

Peter Gain’s tame effort bounced into the ground and was destined to fall safely into Smith’s arms, but the ball struck the back of Jon Nurse’s head and looped over the home keeper, ultimately handing them a share of the points.

Although performances have improved, results are still not going Town’s way as they find themselves firmly placed in the bottom four. The prospect of going away to a promotion-chasing Huddersfield team next is as daunting as it has ever been.

Whereas Town haven’t won in 15 in the league, Huddersfield are unbeaten in 16 and come into the match as massive favourites.

Huddersfield will have former Town loanee Danny Ward amongst their numbers for Saturday’s match. The winger enjoy an immensely successful six-month spell in Wiltshire and, with many Swindon fans citing his loss as one of the reasons for this season’s disappointments, it is slightly ironic that he is likely to play against the Robins.

Town fans have seen some transfer action of their own this week, however. The arrival of Crystal Palace midfielder Alessane N’Diaye injects height and presence into a weak midfield.

Meanwhile, Tottenham striker Jonathon Obika has been recalled by his parent club, suggesting his lack of first-team action as their reasoning before swiftly sending him on loan to Town’s fellow relegation battlers, Yeovil.

If Swindon are to stand any chance of survival then it is vital points are accumulated quickly and sufficiently, starting this weekend.

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