5 things we learnt: Swindon Town (0) v (0) Cheltenham Town

SWINDON TOWN were held to a goalless draw against Cheltenham Town yesterday as the Robins failed to get the win at the County Ground in their last home game of the year. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his analysis on five things we learnt following the stalemate.

A left-back is still needed

Since the arrival of new manager Richie Wellens, Ellis Iandolo has become Swindon’s first choice left-back. And whilst they youngster has produced some impressive performances in his new position, yesterday’s match against Cheltenham highlighted the need for a natural full-back.

Iandolo is a threat when going forward and frequently contributes to attacks, but when defending he can often struggle. Up against the pace of Alex Addai yesterday, the winger when in one-on-one situations too easily beat Iandolo and if the Cheltenham man possessed better quality on the ball there could’ve been a different match result. 

Iandolo gives maximum effort when playing in a Swindon shirt, but if Town are serious about the playoffs then a better player is needed.

A proven striker must be signed in January

Elijah Adebayo, Sol Pryce, Marc Richards, and Kaiyne Woolery have all been tried as Swindon’s main striker this season. But despite having tried various formations and styles of play, yesterday’s gutless draw was an example of how a new striker has to be signed in January. 

Having scored on his return from injury, there was hope that Woolery could be the goalscoring striker that would propel Swindon into the playoff positions. But against Cheltenham, he was ineffective and rarely looked like scoring. Richie Wellens has stated the need to sign a striker in the next transfer window, now Power must give him the resources to do so.

Keeping Nelson and Woolfenden is key to success

For all their problems in attack, Swindon can be happy with the recent defensive performances of Luke Woolfenden and Sid Nelson. 

A combined age of just 42 makes the defensive duo one of the youngest centre-back partnerships in league football, however, they look experienced beyond their years at the heart of Town’s defence. 
Yesterday was no exception as the loanee defenders effectively managed the threat of Cheltenham’s strikeforce and allowing Swindon to focus more on their attack.

 It is yet to be seen whether Nelson’s loan period will be extended till the end of the season, but Swindon fans will be hoping it is.

Players are starting to understand Wellens’ tactics

Having completed seven games in charge now as Swindon Town manager, it appears that the players are finally starting to understand the tactics of the new gaffer. 

On arrival at SN1, Wellens stated that he wanted his side to get the ball down and playing quick attacking football and for the majority of his tenure, this is what Swindon have done. 

A terrible first half yesterday so Town struggle to string passes together with very little creativity being shown. But after the break, Swindon increased the tempo, created chances, and started to break down Cheltenham’s defence. 

The style of play Wellens has implemented creates entertaining performances and now the players must put together a positive run of results. 

Cut Adebayo's loan spell short

Scoring for fun at the start of the season led Swindon fans to believe that Elijah Adebayo would be a force to be reckoned with playing up front for Town this season. 

But with good performances few and far between from the on-loan Fulham player, Wellens would be smart to end the 20-year-olds loan period early. Leading the line for Swindon yesterday, Adebayo was poor in nearly every aspect of his game. 

Failing to win his aerial duals, inaccurate passing and never seeming like scoring are just some of the attributes associated with too many of the youngster's performances so far this season, and with Wellens looking to free up cash for a big signing, ending Adebayo’s loan period may prove to be a wise move.