Next Up: Exeter City vs Swindon Town (EFL Trophy)
City gained sweet revenge for their 7-0 thumping at Bolton last season by producing a stunning display in winning 2-0 there on Saturday and, with league action on hiatus due to the international break, attention turns to a competition that City will hope to do better in than last season. The EFL Trophy is a competition that provides an opportunity for fringe players to press their case, while last season it was used as a breeding ground for City’s youngsters – something that perhaps backfired particularly in the 0-9 defeat to Reading, a similarly heavy defeat to Arsenal’s youngsters was offset only slightly by a 1-0 win over Tuesday night’s opponents. With the Premier League U21 cup also providing an opportunity to impress, the large squad at Gary Caldwell’s disposal can be utilised without weakening to last season’s extent. The last couple of days of the transfer window proved busy for City with two more incoming and Cheick Diabate as expected departing on loan to Bradford. Amani Richards will expect to start against Swindon, while Sonny Cox may also gain some pitch time as he continues his return from injury. Elsewhere the likes of Jack Fitzwater and either Shaun MacDonald or Harry Lee are also set to feature.
With problems off the field appearing to be continuing, Swindon have been tipped to struggle again this season, with ex-Lincoln manager Mark Kennedy brought in to try to get the Robins competing at the right end of the table. So far there is little sign of progress with Swindon currently down near the foot of the table with two draws and two defeats, including a 2-1 home reverse against Notts County on Saturday. Kennedy was able to bring in Kabongo Tshimanga on loan ahead of the window closing, and Swindon will hope he will add some firepower up front following the departure of Charlie Austin in the summer. Another striker signed in the summer was Harry Smith, who endured a brief and unhappy loan spell at City two seasons ago before being unable to keep Sutton in the league last season. His only goal was in the 2-4 defeat to Crawley in the EFL Cup.
Due to the regionalised nature of this competition Tuesday night’s fixture will be the sixth between the sides since City returned to the league in 2008 (and seventh overall). As noted previously last season’s match finished 1-0, a brief respite from the dreadful run City were on at the time. Yanic Wildschut was credited with the goal although it took a heavy deflection. That win, City’s second in a row, levelled the head to head in this competition to two wins apiece with two draws (both settled on penalties in Swindon’s favour).
The match officials for this game will be:-
Referee: Ross Martin
Assistant Referees: Richard Morris and Ryan Saward
Fourth Official : Samuel Fudge
This will be Ross Martin’s first EFL game that he’s taken charge of. The Gloucestershire based referee though has been to St James Park on a couple of occasions this year as the fourth official.
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Dan Green on the game
Jack Fitwater on the game