In case you missed it see what’s in this section
We recommend
Let's Talk
Your Total Guide To sport
Ling Faced With Squad Shake-up Following Suspensions
It was a monumental victory for Swindon Town on Tuesday night, as a 90th minute Louis Thompson strike was enough to steal three points and leave a Walsall side demoralised. But, despite the victory, Martin Ling now has selection issues ahead of Saturday's Chesterfield clash.
A key man who will not be at Ling's disposal come Saturday is influential defender and club captain Raphael Rossi-Branco, who is to serve suspension following a culmination of five yellow cards.
In a game in which referee Keith Hill was eager to resort to his book, no less than five Robins players saw their names taken. El-Abd, Turnbull, Barry and Gladwin all joined Rossi-Branco in seeing yellow on the evening, and so place the Robins under the disciplinary spotlight.
Speaking following the full-time whistle on Tuesday night, Ling admitted that the suspension of Rossi-Branco has arrived at an inconvienient time in his team's pursuit to establish a run of form.
"Rossi Branco will be suspended so there will probably have to be a change of system because we haven’t got another centre-halve in the building," Ling admitted.
“We’ll be missing our skipper so things will be different on Saturday but we will have to have a change of system and it is something we’re going to have to work on between now and when Saturday comes.
"That wouldn’t be by choice, but we’ll have to have a change of things," Ling added.
The suggestion has been posed that match winner Louis Thompson may have to fill it at sweeper for the upcoming match against The Spireites, though the midfielder may well be facing his own race for fitness after leaving the field late on against Walsall with a bad case of cramp.
"You know what you are going to get with Louis and I thought he was outstanding. I think he is a bit cramped but I think he’ll be alright, I'm hoping he comes through," said Ling in his post match comments.
When queried on whether Thompson could fill in to the back line at Chesterfield, if available, Ling conceded a shake-up would be in order, rather than losing the number 18 from his midfield ranks.
"It will probably be a change in system rather than losing his legs and his ability," said Ling.
Goal scorer Thompson was in high spirits following his winner, and dedicated the strike to his brother Nathan, who has recently been plagued with injuries.
"I haven't had regular football while i've been here, because of injuries and internationals, but i'm glad I could put in a performance worthy of man of the match tonight," said Thompson.
"We know we're in a dog fight, we're not blind to that, but the fans can expect 110 per cent from us and I think that was shown tonight," he added.
Weather in Swindon
Listings