Swindon Town handed Crewe Alexandra a lesson in football this weekend. Cementing their play-off ambitions in a current fifth-placed occupancy, Swindon have amassed 12 points so far.
Ian Holloway’s League Two side have been growing in strength during the beginning of another promotion-hopeful campaign. Swindon have won four times in the fourth tier so far, with a 3-0 win against Crewe being their latest performance. Three impressive outings for their starting players have been noted in a Team of the Day inclusion from The Football League Paper.
Exceptional Performances in All Areas
In-form Aaron Drinan has scored three goals in the fourth tier so far this campaign – adding his third against Crewe this weekend. The former Leyton Orient striker could have doubled his match tally as a shot fired against the woodwork in the 45th minute. This long-ranged effort followed just four minutes after the away side extended their lead to three in the first half.
A man of the match performance from Gavin Kilkenny inevitably warranted a compulsory inclusion in this selection. The 25-year-old moved on his first permanent deal last summer, finally leaving AFC Bournemouth after three separate loan spells across the EFL. Completing 59 passes during the game and dictating the midfield throughout, Kilkenny also created three important chances for Swindon. Within eight minutes, the midfielder had already fired his side ahead with a ferocious right-footed strike from outside the box.
Finally, the third player inclusion for Swindon this weekend is Filozofe Mabete. The 20-year-old could be experiencing a breakthrough season under Holloway, having started the last two matches now for the Robins. 82 minutes against Shrewsbury Town was the defender’s first start in the league; a 90-minute EFL Cup display against Cardiff City initially landed him in the periphery of the Swindon starting squad. Mabete sat in the middle of the back three against Crewe and made seven clearances while winning eight duels aerially and on the ground.
Management Just as Important
Holloway is assembling a fantastic group in League Two, with Mabete being signed – by the former Queens Park Rangers head coach – from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. The 62-year-old’s successful, attacking set-up warranted an inclusion himself in the Team of the Day. In 44 matches, Holloway’s win rate now totals 45% – one of his best in management.
Writer’s View
Swindon look well-drilled and ready to mount a play-off challenge again this season. With important signings like Mabete and Ollie Palmer being added to an already-talented group of players, an automatic promotion charge could also be a target kept in mind.
Aside from these obvious inclusions from this week’s performances, Joe Snowdon has been a revelation at right wing-back since his arrival from Leeds United this summer. A unique profile, in Will Wright, continues to shine as a creative, marauding centre-back on penalty-taking duties.
