Swindon P.S.F.A. vs Vale of White Horse P.S.F.A. 24-9-11 Representative Friendly

Swindon travelled to Oxford to face the Vale in their two traditional early season representative friendlies. In the first encounter the visitors announced their intentions early on when Lawrence's persistence down the right enabled him to cross for Skinner but Crowther's quick relexes turned the shot around the post. The Vale struggled at times to break down a resilient Swindon defence with Kutassy ever alert to any threat and McGinn making several strong tackles. With both Potter and Dearsley patrolling the flanks the homesters were forced to try and catch Swindon on the counter. However, the Swindon custodian twice raced from his line to deny first Sykes and then Higgs. The visitors opened their account through Broadbank who drilled a hard shot beyond Crowther. Swindon continued to pressure the Vale goal and doubled their lead when Tyson deftly steered Merchant's cross into the net. The Vale responded positively and worked hard to halve their guests' lead, but were unable to convert the chances the created. After the break Swindon continued to play some neat passing football. Lawrence's forays down the right tormented the Vale's midfield and he linked well with Broadbank and Tyson. Swindon deservedly added a third when pressure from Hopper caused confusion in the heart of Vale's defence allowing Skinner's cross to be deflected into the net. The visitors tightened their grip on the game and scored a fourth when Broadbank finished calmly despite the attentions of Woodall and Wallace. To their credit the Vale continued to press for a goal and only a brave block by George prevented the homesters from scoring. Swindon increased their lead through Merchant whose hard work in midfield was deservedly rewarded. A late resurgence from the Vale was repelled by some strong tackling by Potter to thwart Standbridge whilst McGinn and Dearsley frustrated Higgs with crucial interceptions. Broadbank then completed his hat-trick after a clever build-up involving Hopper and Skinner to seal Swindon's victory.

Swindon P.S.F.A. vs Vale of White Horse P.S.F.A. 24-9-11 Representative Friendly

Swindon began their second fixture against the Vale in determined fashion with both Lea and White probing the homesters defence. The Vale’s forays into Swindon’s half though were met be stiff resistance; Philips making a strong tackle on Dixon and Brown intercepting Fleming’s through ball to deny Ormrod. The visitors opened the scoring when White netted with a well executed effort that evaded Irwin’s outstretched arm. The Vale responded with a strong run from Chedzy down the left but this was halted by a well-times tackle by the impressive Cremin. Two minutes late a long ball forward by Dobbins was halted by Townsend’s brave header. Despite enjoying more possession than their hosts, Swindon were unable to add to their tally and had to be content with their slender lead at the break. After the interval Swindon stepped up the pressure on the Vale’s goal, producing some delightful flowing football at times. The second period was barely ten minutes old when Benge made a clever over-lapping run to receive Biles’ pass before cutting inside the full back to score Swindon’s second. The Vale worked hard to reduce the arrears; their best chance falling to Ormrod but his fiercely struck shot was held onto by Townsend in the Swindon goal. Five minutes later the Vale were denied another chance to score when the hardworking Leach’s excellent covering tackle halted Sewell’s run into the box. The visitors continued to press with Legge linking play with Philips and Lea making strong runs at the heart of the Vale’s defence. Swindon added a third shortly after when White’s mazy run was checked by a strong challenge and Biles pounced on the loose ball shooting on the turn to score. The Vale refused to surrender though and committed players forward, but staunch defending from Brown and Leach contrived to frustrate the Vale’s attempts before Philips coolly brought the ball out of defence. As the match entered the final quarter Swindon sensed there were more goals left in the game. Lea exploited the space out wide to drill in a low cross that was only partly cleared and Townsend reacted quickly to steer the ball inside the post from close range. Swindon completed their win with a fifth goal when Lea saw his efforts rewarded with a fine strike which went into the net off the post.