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Two sides battling at opposite ends of the League One spectrum clash on Friday as Blackpool make the long journey south to Swindon.
As the annual Easter feast of football gets underway this Good Friday, John Sheridan’s Robins will be keen to sustain recently built momentum as they attempt to stave off relegation.
In what has been a tumultuous return to the third tier, Town have flirted with a swift return to League Two for the majority of the campaign, however, supporters have been given cause for optimism of late, on the back of consecutive victories.
The upturn in results has seen Swindon haul themselves clear of the relegation places, though they remain precariously positioned in the standings, currently residing in 19th, a mere two points shy of the drop zone.
Last time out, the Robins travelled to fellow strugglers, Bristol Rovers. Failing to capitalise upon the instalment of new manager, Joey Barton, the Gas continue to endure a torrid time, and Sheridan’s men took full advantage.
Jack Payne covered himself in glory, his decisive strike with little under 20 minutes remaining secured a priceless three points in what was a turgid West Country derby.
The midfielder reacted sharply after Scott Twine’s free-kick ricocheted off the Rovers wall, surging into the box before lashing home from 12 yards.
Zain Westbrooke almost made an instant impact having entered the fray after the break. His low sighter from the cusp of the area beat the goalkeeper, only to be ruled out due to a teammate straying offside.
Veteran goalkeeper Lee Camp denied Jonah Ayunga late on, but ultimately, Rovers paid the price for creating little in an attacking sense and Swindon held on for an invaluable win which propelled them three points clear of the Gas, Barton’s side subsequently dumped into the bottom three.
The Robins survival credentials face a stern test this Friday, as they come up against one of the division’s form sides. Blackpool are unbeaten in 11 games, scintillating form that has Neil Critchley’s men harbouring genuine ambitions of securing a Play-Off place.
“They’ve had two really good results away from home lately, and it seems they’ve found a way of winning matches with the players there.
“They’re fighting for their lives to stay in this division, and they’ll be looking to back those away wins up at home on Friday. It will be a tough game for us.” – Neil Critchley: blackpoolfc.co.uk
One glimmer of hope for Swindon is that they were afforded a weekend off, perhaps a vital chance to regroup and consolidate ahead of what proves to be a nerve grinding final stretch.
Blackpool, comparatively, partook in a thrilling, albeit energy draining stalemate last Saturday, playing host to Plymouth Argyle.
The visitors began the contest on the front foot, Niall Ennis flashing an early warning sign, striking the post after eight minutes.
The Tangerines failed to take heed and fell behind shortly after. One time Blackpool forward Ryan Hardie returned to familiar surroundings to haunt his former club, redirecting a rebound after Ennis had crashed his effort against the woodwork once again.
Blackpool sustained further Argyle pressure, avoiding the infliction of additional damage, and made a blistering start to the second half following what were likely some impassioned words from boss Neil Critchley at the break.
Sullay Kaikai found the back of the net in the 47th minute, making no mistake as a rebound dropped favourably to the winger.
The turnaround was complete soon after, Demetri Mitchell adjudged to have been chopped down by Adam Lewis. Leading marksman Jerry Yates converted from the spot for his 15th strike of the campaign and the Seasiders looked to be on course for maximum points.
However, Argyle had other ideas, Joe Edwards finding the bottom corner in the dying embers to break Seasiders’ hearts. A setback, granted, but Blackpool’s hugely impressive unbeaten streak remains intact, as they look to return to winning ways in Wiltshire.
The Tangerines have won four away fixtures on the spin, whilst Swindon’s home form makes for abysmal reading, a paltry 10 points from 30 available. Therefore, everything points to Blackpool solidifying their play-off charge. However, in the topsy-turvy world of League One, nothing can be taken for granted.
“We’ll do the same thing we did to Fleetwood and Bristol Rovers. We want to take the game to them as every game is a cup final from now on.
“Whether we have to be patient or go for it early on, we know the importance of winning the game.” – John Sheridan: Swindon Advertiser
Team News
John Sheridan will be grateful in that no fresh injury issues have arisen during the break in domestic competition. Town midfielder Christopher Missilou returns following international obligations representing his native Congo.
Blackpool’s James Husband could play a part during the Easter period, having missed consecutive outings through injury. Defender Dan Ballard returns from international duty with Northern Ireland, featuring for 74 minutes of Wednesday’s 0-0 stalemate with Bulgaria at Windsor Park.
Marvin Ekpiteta continues to make good progress in his return to fitness, whilst settler of the reverse fixture with Swindon, CJ Hamilton, has been ruled out for the remainder of the season having undergone surgery following a broken metatarsal.
Head to Head
These sides last locked horns in September, a CJ Hamilton double putting Swindon to the sword.
Interestingly enough, the contest was one of seven EFL fixtures trialling the return of fans, and home supporters were in for a treat.
The Robins almost became architects of their own downfall in the burgeoning moments, Zeki Fryers inexcusably losing possession in his own area. Thankfully for the defender, he was afforded a reprieve, Matej Kovar comfortably gathering Bez Lubala’s scuffed attempt.
Having failed to convert during three previous outings, the missed opportunity could well have quashed Seasiders’ hopes entirely, but admirably, they persevered.
Their efforts were duly rewarded just shy of the break, Hamilton firing past Kovar at his near post. He then doubled his tally, widening his side’s lead in the process, two minutes into the second-half.
Dashing inside from the right, Hamilton unleashed an unstoppable strike which effectively put the game to bed. Both Hallam Hope and Ethan Robson struck the woodwork for Town, but that’s as close as the Robins came, failing to find an avenue back into the contest.
The two outfits have crossed paths on 37 occasions, with stalemates proving to be the most prevalent outcome, 17 in all. Blackpool have chalked up 13 wins to Swindon’s seven, also winning two of the last three in a fixture that has only occurred three times in fifteen years due to the contrasting fortunes of each club.
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