Vic Morgan: The History Between High-Flying Leicester and Swindon Town

They're the talk of football at the moment. Those irresistible Foxes from the East Midlands. They're the team that everyone wants to watch and to win the Premier League. Except, of course, the so called monied elite who'd like to keep the so called "Top Four" all for themselves.

 

So why be different? Why not talk about Leicester City? What's that got to do with Swindon Town? Well, for those who've watched Swindon for more than twenty years will be well aware of some of the extraordinary matches between the two clubs.

 

Top of the list of course, is that magnificent Wembley play off final. The three nil lead swept away in a tidal wave of blue, only for the Steve White fall and the Paul Bodin penalty securing Premier League football for the only time in our history. What a game!

 

Surely there's been nothing like it, or has there? Well, let me take you back to the mid to late eighties. The first occasion came in November 1987 at the old Filbert Street ground. One of the old back street football grounds indicative of the sports early days when it was centred on the sports roots at the heart of the community.

 

Bobby Barnes and Jimmy Quinn put the Town two up and seemingly in control late in the second half. Swindon were also down to ten men after a second booking for Steve Foley and still looking good for the win. However it wasn't to be. Just like at the Twin Towers of North London, Leicester came back and snatched the victory with goals from Paul Ramsay, Steve Walsh and the late late winner from Mark Venus. Heartbreaking for Swindon and their fans in the eight thousand plus crowd.

 

It couldn't happen again could it? Well yes, it could actually, just under twelve months later. This time on a late October evening and Filbert Street was again to witness an incredible match between the two sides. The Town raced into a three goal lead. This against a Leicester team that included the aforementioned Quinn who'd moved to the Midlands to be replaced by one Duncan Shearer. The original "Shearer, Shearer" if you will.

 

It was Phil King, Steve White and Charlie Henry who again put Swindon in apparent cruise control. Then like in the previous year the referees red card played a major part. This time two of them. Foley again went for the early bath to be followed by Tom Jones. Swindon down to nine men and facing a now rampant Foxes in for the kill.

 

Scottish international Gary McAllister hit two with a Phil King own goal sandwiched in between. Again outrage and shock among the Swindon faithful who'd seen victory snatched away. The only consolation was that this time it ended in a draw.

 

Lightning really does strike twice then, or is it thrice? In October 1990, the Town were two up despite having David Kerslake dismissed early on. Guess what? Yes Leicester came back to gain a draw. Strange but true! One of football's great mysteries why games between these two clubs should provoke such incredible scenes.