Swindon hold firm to outstage favourites

Town used a solid result at the weekend to build upon in this mid week clash against promotion favourites Southampton.

The bumper crowd packed into the County Ground to witness a high action and at times frantic game but the majority left happy as Swindon recorded their first win and first goal of the league campaign.

The opening 8 minutes were very much end to end as both sides struggled to get a grip on the game until Sean Morrison`s goal on 9 minutes.

After good play from Anthony McNamee forced a corner that Jon Paul McGovern swung in to find Morrison unmarked, who buried his header into the top corner from 8 yards out.

Town nearly doubled their lead only for Billy Paynter`s diving header was brilliantly saved by Kelvin Davis, who had an outstanding evening or the Saints.

Southampton`s only chance of the half came after Morrison`s poor backpass found its way to Ricky Lambert only for his weak chip to be saved by David Lucas.

The second half was a much more open affair than the first with each side creating chances but ultimately both defences were up to the test. Southampton created the first chance of the half after a long ball found almost caught Town`s impressive defence napping but Skipper Greer did just enough to put Patterson off his shot.

Patterson was involved soon afterwards in a two footed challenge on Jean Francois but the referee was lenient on the young forward and only produced a yellow.

Davis pulled off more magnificent saves from Paynter, Douglas and McGovern as Town dominated from set pieces. The overall team play tonight was a joy to behold and in particular, Douglas` class shone through tonight as he picked up the Man of the Match award.

The game ended in a nervy fashion as Southampton piled men forward in search of an equalizer, but Town held firm to claim their well deserved victory.

There were many positives to take from tonight's game including encouraging displays from David Lucas, Jean Francois and JP McGovern.

However, Jonathan Douglas' display tonight really showed what a skillful and experienced midfielder can do for a team at this level. Douglas was everywhere tonight and I'm sure if he carries on in this manner then he will become a Town favourite sooner rather than later.

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