PREVIEW: SWINDON TOWN V MANSFIELD TOWN

SWINDON TOWN will play host to previous manager David Flitcroft tomorrow as the Robins take on Mansfield Town at The County Ground. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his in-depth preview prior to the action.

The last time these two sides met saw Matty Taylor’s goal earn Swindon a one-nil home victory over Mansfield last season. The difference being that on this occasion David Flitcroft will be firmly positioned in the away dugout. 

In a situation similar to last season, both teams are positioned on top of one another in the League Two table as Swindon stay just one point clear of the visitors, Swindon in 13th position having accumulated 17 points this season. 

However, despite patchy form from both sides this campaign, Saturday’s game looks set to be fierce encounter as Phil Brown attempts to silence the doubters with the manager under-pressure with no win since the end of September.

Unbeaten in four home matches at the start of the season saw Brown and his squad turn The County Ground into a fortress. But, since then Town have struggled to find the winning formula needed to mount a title charge with two home draws being deemed unsatisfactory form from a side tipped for success this season.

And despite wins being few and far between for Swindon, their inability to score will be a bigger worry to fans of the club, with the Wiltshire outfit having found the net just five times from their last seven league fixtures. 

In contrast, Mansfield Town appears to be on the up. Flitcroft has managed to instil a goal-scoring mentality into his side with the Stags having only failed to score once on the road all season. 

However, Mansfield’s inability to turn goals into victories has been the biggest problem for the Midlands club as a form of seven draws and only three wins see them similarly struggling to make a playoff charge.

Positive news for Swindon Town sees a possible return of Michael Doughty after it was revealed he completed ninety minutes of action on Tuesday. And after starting the season with five goals his return would help boost the confidence levels of a Town side lacking in consistency. 

Recent results for both teams understandingly give the impression that tomorrow’s game will be lacking quality, creativity, and excitement. 

But with David Flitcroft making his return, The County Ground is expected to be a fiery atmosphere with home fans hoping Swindon can spoil the party with a victory to set the tone for a busy run of fixtures.