The last seven days for anyone who is connected with Swindon has been a damaging week. After this weekend defeat at home to Leyton Orient meant that Swindon have lost their last three games. Last Sunday it was away at Preston in the league 4-1. On Wednesday it was away at local rivals Oxford United in JPT 1-0 thanks to late Alfie Potter late goal. Then on Saturday the home defeat to Leyton Orient.
To be honest it was a laboured, jaded and lacklustre performance from Swindon Town, manager Paolo Di Canio came out in the post match interview and said it was the worst performance under him as manager.
Leyton Orient dominated the first half and went really close on more than one occasion. Russell Slade the Leyton Orient manager done his homework as the O’s were first to every ball and when Swindon cleared they had one man in midfield that would pick the pieces and start another Orient attack.
Lee Cook was the danger man for the away side he caused Swindon right back Joe Devera all sort of problems. He had a cross shot which was cleared by the Swindon defence, and then the former QPR winger produced a brilliant left footed cross for Kevin Lisbie who headed un marked just past of the upright. Swindon could only come up with half chances; both Matt Ritchie and Raffaele De Vita had shots on goal deflected away by the Leyton Orient defence.
The second half started a lot better for Swindon as Matt Ritchie had two goal ward efforts saved comfortably by Ryan Allsop. But on the hour Leyton Orient took a well deserved lead when Leon McSweeney sent in an inviting ball from the right which Dean Cox diverted through the legs of Aiden Flint and it fell to Lee Cook at the back post who made no mistake.
Swindon then bought on Adam Rooney on for James Collins and the on loan Birmingham man made an impact and nearly scored with his first touch. Rooney poked the ball in front of the Leyton Orient defence and went through on goal but he could only divert his effort wide while being hassled by two Leyton Orient defenders.
Leyton Orient nearly doubled their lead with a brilliant set piece. Dean Cox from around thirty yards out curled a brilliant effort which whistled over the cross bar and hit the netting on top of the goal. Swindon then tried to hit back but huffed and puffed with no avail. Six minutes of added time was added and Swindon pushed centre back Aiden Flint up front but it didn’t work as Leyton Orient soaked up all the pressure and came away with a deserved victory.
A nervy performance which didn’t help when the full time whistle was blown a half hearted chorus of boos made a noise around the County Ground. That defeat ended Swindon twenty eight game unbeaten run at home which stretched back to August last year when Southampton beat Swindon in the league cup.
Up next for Swindon is long trip up north to take on Carlisle on Saturday.
ScotM
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