5 things we learnt: Swindon Town (1) v (1) Northampton Town

SWINDON TOWN failed to make the most of key chances yesterday as they struggled to a 1-1 home draw against Northampton Town. TotalSport Swindon's Ryan Walker reflects on the game and gives his analysis on 'five things we learnt' following the game.

Richards failing to make an impact

Since being reintroduced into the starting line-up against Forest Green, Marc Richards has now gone eight games without a goal. 

Clearly low on confidence, yesterday was a frustrating afternoon for the striker who failed to make any type of significant impact against Northampton, with his best chance coming in the games opening moments. 

Swindon are searching for promotion this season but a goal-scoring striker is crucial to success.

Quality still lacking in the final third

Nine shots on target yesterday should’ve resulted in more than one goal for Swindon Town. But whilst finishing is clearly an issue, the main problem remains with Town’s lack of quality in the final third.

Yesterday, Swindon were the dominant force throughout, obtaining the majority of the possession but failing to make clear-cut chances. With Michael Doughty still absent, Swindon have struggled to create in the final third with the quality lacking and attacks too often petering out.

Swindon look set to struggle to playoffs

Just one point taken from yesterday’s match sees Swindon fall to 13th in the League Two table with just seventeen points from twelve games. 

And with a daunting gap of eleven points now opening up between the Wiltshire side and top of the table Lincoln, it’s evident that the playoff spots are going to be a challenge for Swindon to reach. 

There are still plenty of games to play this season, but Town must start winning games if they are to be in with a chance of promotion.

Diagouraga has become the solid midfielder Swindon need

After a difficult start on his Swindon return since arriving this past summer, Toumani Diagouraga is quickly becoming the player that Swindon fans hoped he would be. 

Against Northampton, Diagouraga was the workhorse in the engine room of Town’s midfield as he made big contributions both in attack and defence. 

Bringing the ball forward with confidence the 31-year-old was frequently at the base of Swindon’s attacks, whilst in defence, his calmness was crucial to getting Town out of trouble. A great performance.

Not enough goals from open play

Matty Taylor’s wonder free-kick did enough to rescue a point for Swindon Town, but it also highlighted the side's inability of failing to score from open play. 

Having only scored from open play a handful of times this season, Swindon have stifled themselves of reaching the high-scoring form they started the season with. 

A goal counts for the same no matter how it goes in, but fans pay to be entertained and they certainly aren’t being offered this at every match.