Swindon's 2-1 loss on Tuesday at the Ebb Stadium against Aldershot was severely overshadowed for Robins' fans due to the extra-curricular activities taken place at the weekend by several of the first team. A draw or a win would have been enough for Swindon to be promoted at the first time of asking after relegation last season.

Changes…

Di Canio made four changes from Saturdays 1-0 win over Plymouth. McEveley, Flint, Ferry, and Holmes all dropped from the squad following some late night antics. This dented Swindon’s fluidity and composure on the ball. In recent weeks Swindon have had to grind out 1-0 victories and have not found the form that propelled them to the summit of the league 2 table.

Respect…

Following the sudden death of Paolo Di Canio’s mother on Friday, an impeccably observed minutes silence was held.

Pictured is my customised shirt in honour of both Paolo Di Canio’s parents.

Second ball syndrome…

Swindon Town fans were in full voice for the start of the match, with a useful beat provided by an Aldershot drummer in the home end. Unfortunately our performance did not match the enthusiasm of the 1263 away fans. Too many long balls, corners and crosses that did not beat the first man, misplaced passes and just an inability to attack with conviction. Another factor of Swindon’s loss was the drive and determination to be first to the ‘second’ ball. Countless times Aldershot looked hungrier for the ball and assured in their passing.

Promotion Party Cancellation…

12 minutes into the game, Aldershot took the lead with a close range effort from Madjo which followed Hylton’s shot on goal. This did not come against the run of play but certainly did dent the away fans exuberance. The atmosphere became flat and a realisation seem to come over that tonight may not be promotion night. Devera was replaced by Flint in the 29th minute due to an injury and an immediate impact was felt; with 2 clearances in succession from the centre-back. The closest effort for Swindon in the first-half came from De Vita whose back-post header landed on the roof of the net.

Optimism…

Swindon made one change at half-time, taking off De Vita and replacing him with the Southampton loanee Lee Holmes. After the early pressure from Aldershot was dealt with, Swindon were given a massive life-line in the form of a penalty. Peter Vincenti was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the area. Swindon captain Paul Caddis stepped up and scored what the travelling fans thought was going to be a massive step towards promotion. The travelling Robins were once again in full voice.

Little Did The Robins Know…

Within 5 minutes of the restart Swindon failed to deal with a long ball and allowed Madjo to simply cross to Hylton who smashed the ball home into the roof of the net. For those five minutes Swindon were promoted and enjoying themselves, but this goal sent them crashing back down to earth.

Flat…

Swindon never recovered enough and could not muster clear definitive chances. Even with the introduction of Simon Ferry into the equation in the 64th minute the Robins could not score what would have been a promotion winning goal.

Overall…

In summary, Aldershot played some decent football and overall deserved to win. Many Swindon fans did not know why Di Canio had dropped four first team regulars before or during the game. Several thought that Paolo did not pick the team but this later transpired into the real reason.

Reaction…

Paolo Di Canio: "A few days ago, I discovered something really bad. It was a habit in here last year and it's maybe come back. Our position a few weeks ago maybe put some of our players in a decision to think everything is done. Maybe to go out and drink. For some, maybe it is already a holiday. For what happened a few days ago, I should change even more players. There is only one player who has an excuse for what happened and that is Alan McCormack because he had a new baby. Even if it's a silly excuse, I tried to excuse him for what happened. There is another group of players who did something."

Some questions to be answered…

Was Paolo right to drop those 4 players for unprofessional behaviour?

Should the players publicly apologise?

What disciplinary action, if any should be taken?

Have the players disrespected Paolo and his family whilst he was in Italy?

Do players have the right to enjoy themselves after a game (Saturday Night)?

Would you go and watch Swindon play if most of the youth squad was playing?

Answers on a postcard (Comment or Tweet preferable)

You can follow me on Twitter for even more Swindon Town discussion.

 

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