Swindon Town look to contiune their fine run of form against Southend – a place where Town have struggled in recent years
Vital Quotes:
Talking to BBC Radio Wiltshire Danny Wilson talked of his expectations towards the fixture – Wilson said that ‘from our point of view we expect to win so whatever the favourites tag happens to be we expect to win anyway… That’s not underestimating the opposition but with the quality of player we’ve got we’d expect to go to any ground and get a result.’
It’s been a while since I’ve heard such confidence from a Town boss!
SOUTHEND UNITED Team News:
Pat Baldwin and Scott Vernon have both arrived from Colchester United on loan and go straight into the squad.
Meanwhile, Alan McCormack is suspended.
Jean-Francois Christophe, Anthony Grant and Francis Laurent are all struggling as is Jean-Yves M’Voto who has a hip problem.
Player to watch: SCOTT VERNON
The 26 year old forward will be desperate to reignite his career with Southend after showing promise earlier.
SWINDON TOWN Team News:
Town’s squad is getting smaller with the departure of Lee Peacock, Ben Hutchinson’s return to Celtic and Hasney Aljofree’s trial at Oldham Athletic.
Alan Sheehan, Alan O’Brien and Callum Kennedy are out injured as is Kurt Hammonds. Meanwhile, Sean Morrison (who spent time at Roots Hall on loan this season) limped off during the Wiltshire Premier Shield Semi-Final 2nd Leg victory over Salisbury City in midweek.
Player to watch: BILLY PAYNTER
The in form forward has been a crucial part of Town’s recent league success.
Match Facts & Stats
Swindon have the superior form when it comes to the Head-to-Head between the two sides. Town have won 43 league games against Southend, losing 24 and losing 36.
Swindon have experienced a poor run of form at Roots Hall in recent years. Town haven’t won at Southend since goals from Kevin Watson, Steve Cowe and Mark Walters gave Town win 3-1 in August 1996 (there have been four attempts since then – all loses).
Last Meeting – 29/08/09 – L1
SWINDON TOWN 2-1 SOUTHEND UNITED
STFC: Scott Cuthbert 21′
STFC: Tope Obadeyi 79′
SUFC: Dami3en Scannell 80′
STFC: David Lucas, Lescinel Jean-Francois, Gordon Greer, Scott Cuthbert, Kevin Amankwaah, Anthony McNamee (Alan O’Brien 69′), Simon Ferry (Michael Timlin 76′), Jonathan Douglas, Jon-Paul McGovern, Ben Hutchinson (Tope Obadeyi 61′), Billy Paynter.
SNU: Phil Smith, Sean Morrison, Callum Kennedy, Lloyd Macklin.
Other Recent Meetings
17/03/09: STFC 3-0 SUFC
18/10/08: SUFC 2-1 STFC
24/03/08: STFC 0-1 SUFC
08/12/07: SUFC 2-1 STFC
27/01/06: SUFC 2-0 STFC
Played For Both Clubs
Garry Nelson played 129 times for Southend United before Ken Beamish paid £10,000 for his services in 1983. His first campaign is remembered as co-inciding with Swindon`s worst league finish in their history a measly 17th in the Fourth Division. After 79 appearances and 7 goals Nelson left for Plymouth Argyle for £15,000.
Nelson went to write the acclaimed books ‘Left Foot Forward’ and ‘Left Foot in the Grave’.
Paul Sturrock paid Southend an undisclosed amount for Billy Paynter in August 2007. Paynter endured a torrid spell at Roots Hall with the Liverpudlian unable to find form or fitness during his brief United career.
Swindon born Steve Mildenhall played 33 league games for his hometown club before forging a decent Football League career with Notts County, Oldham Athletic, Grimsby Town, Yeovil Town and
Next Fixtures:
Town welcome League One automatic promotion chasers Charlton Athletic a week on Saturday.
