Match Preview | Swindon Town (H)

22 September 2023

Sky Bet League Two action returns to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium following the international break with Swindon Town the visitors.

The Shrimps fell to defeat against Liverpool U21s in the EFL Trophy in midweek while the Robins were previously in action last Saturday where they overcame Walsall at home by two goals to nil.

In all eight meetings between the two sides, Town boast seven wins and one draw.

The Opposition

At this early stage in the campaign, the Wiltshire club sit third in League Two and remain unbeaten with four wins and three draws to-date.

Last season, they finished 10^th on 61 points after 16 wins, 13 draws and 17 defeats. In their cup campaigns, Town crashed out in the first round of the FA Cup and Carabao Cup respectively and finished bottom of their EFL Trophy group.

Michael Flynn.jpg

Manager Michael Flynn took charge at the County Ground back in May following Jody Morris’ departure at the end of the 2022/23 campaign. Despite remaining unbeaten in the league so far, the 42-year-old has tasted defeat twice in the Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy respectively.

Before arriving at Swindon, Flynn previously managed Walsall, Undy and Newport County, where he took charge and lost against the Shrimps in the 2020/21 League Two play-off final.

Key Players

Striker Charlie Austin has proven his goalscoring abilities across all the top four tiers of the English football pyramid, The former Burnley, QPR, Southampton, West Bromwich Albion and Brisbane Roar man has netted 188 times in 470 professional appearances, 34 of which came in the Premier League.

Jake Young arrived on a season-long loan from Bradford City in August, and has hit the ground running with nine goals and three assists in seven League Two appearances to-date. Following this, he was voted the division’s Player of the Month for August.

Tom Brewitt.jpg

A name familiar with Shrimps fans is that of defender Tom Brewitt. The 26-year-old spent the 2019/20 campaign at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium until it was ended early due to the COVID pandemic. In that time, he made 27 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing two assists.

Derek Adams' Pre-Match Thoughts

Ahead of the match, manager Derek Adams said he's aware of the Robins' threat.

"They've got good experience throughout their side," he said.

"They've got youthfulness as well; they've taken in Jake Young on loan from Bradford [City] who's done exceptionally well for them.

"[Charlie] Austin up front is a renowned striker, [Dan] Kemp in behind and they've got good energy throughout their side.

Team News

Following his sending off at Gillingham, striker Michael Mellon misses out through suspension.

Adam Mayor continues his recovery from an injury sustained in the friendly against Huddersfield Town during the international break and Farrend Rawson, who missed out against Gillingham through illness, will be assessed before Saturday's game.

Meet The Officials

Scott Tallis takes charge of the Shrimps for the first time at the weekend following his promotion from the National League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

He will be joined by linesmen Daniel Woodward and Joe Simpson, as well as fourth official Martin Woods.

Scott Tallis.jpg

Tallis has been the man in the middle of five games so far this season; four in League Two and one in League One. In those games, he has issued a total of 19 yellow cards and no reds.

Listen Live!

If you’re not making the journey to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium, full match commentary is available for just £2.50 with an iFollow Shrimps audio match pass.

Click here for more information.

Match Reports

Report | Morecambe 2 Swindon Town 2

23 September 2023

The 10 men of Morecambe hold Swindon Town to a 2-2 draw in a spirited performance at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

It was one all at half-time after Jake Taylor cancelled out Dan Kemp's opener, Charlie Austin's penalty which saw Yann Songo'o dismissed was then followed by Ethan Walker's 80th minute strike.

The first real change for either side led to the opening goal; Kemp with space at the back post met Jake Young’s cross and converted with a header to open the scoring.

Looking for an instant reaction, the Shrimps carved out a couple of big chances in as many minutes. A powerful strike from well out struck the post, hit the ‘keeper, deflected back off the post again before being cleared.

Then, the ball was sent deep toward Yann Songo’o at the far post, his header could only find the side-netting.

Just before the half-way stage of the first 45, JJ McKiernan produced a fierce strike after turning on the edge of the opposition box, though the ball sailed narrowly over the bar.

Charlie Austin came close to doubling the visitors’ advantage on 24 minutes. After playing the one two, he latched onto the through ball before pulling the shot just wide of the far post.

The Shrimps were back on level terms on 31 minutes through Jake Taylor. Tom Bloxham delivered an excellent cross from the right before Taylor headed home the equaliser, his first goal for the Club.

Just before first half added time, Kemp was presented with a big chance to score his, and Town’s, second hf the afternoon, though after breaking through into the Morecambe box, his strike was straight at Stuart Moore.

Half-time: Morecambe 1 Swindon Town 1

Our defensive resolve was tested early on in the second half after Tariq Uwakwe met a corner with a fierce volley, forcing the Shrimps’ defence into a vital block.

At the other end, another pinpoint delivery from Bloxham was pounced upon by Eli King, but the Cardiff City loanee could only turn the ball behind from close range.

A big moment in the game came on 56 minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty following a foul from Songo’o, who picked up a second yellow and was sent off as a result. Austin stepped up and converted from 12 yards.

Six minutes later, Remeao Hutton came close to a third for Town, though he could only drag the shot wide of Moore’s right-hand post.

With just over 10 minutes to play, Ethan Walker fresh from the bench made an instant impact. He latched onto an excellent through ball from Donald love and slotted underneath Mahoney.

Another sub, Cammy Smith, came close to firing the Shrimps ahead with a fierce strike from distance; Mahoney had to be equal to it and was by pushing the ball behind for a corner.

Full-time: Morecambe 2 Swindon Town 2

Morecambe: Moore, Love ©, Bedeau, Songo’o, Bloxham (Walker, 77’), King, McKiernan, Senior (Tutonda, 77’), Slew (C Smith, 77’), Taylor (Davenport, 77’), Connolly (Rawson, 77’).

Subs not used: A Smith, Stokes.

Goals: Taylor (31’), Walker (80’).

Bookings: Connolly, Songo’o.

Red cards: Songo’o.

Swindon Town: Mahoney, Hutton, Blake-Tracy, McEachran (Cain, 90+3’), Young (Hepburn-Murphy, 65’), Khan, Kemp, Brewitt, Uwakwe (Shade 64’), Godwin-Malife, Austin ©.

Subs not used: Ward, Genesini, Kinsella, Minturn.

Goals: Kemp (12’), Austin (57’).

Bookings: Khan, Kemp.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 3,737 (568).