It's a huge game in EFL Sky Bet League Two this weekend as second-placed Exeter City travel to face league-leaders Swindon Town at the County Ground.
Here’s your complete lowdown on the Robins
- Founded: 1879
- Nickname: The Robins
- Honours: Football League third tier title: 1995/96. Football League fourth tier titles: 1985/86 & 2011/12. League Cup: 1968/69. Anglo-Italian Cup: 1969/70. Anglo-Italian League Cup: 1968/69.
Originally donning black and white colours during the club’s infancy in the late 19th century, Swindon swiftly changed their colours to red in the 1902/03 season, culminating in their new nickname ‘The Robins’.
Swindon’s first taste of major silverware came in 1969 after comfortably dispatching favourites Arsenal in the League Cup final with a 3-1 victory.
That cup triumph earned entry into the Anglo-Italian League Cup where they excelled just as well overseas with a 5-2 aggregate drubbing of AS Roma. Swindon then went one better by winning the Anglo Italian Cup the following season after thrashing Napoli 3-0.
Another first for the Wiltshire club came in 1993 as the Robins reached the promised land of top tier football and the Premier League, though they were instantly relegated.
Since the turn of the century, Swindon won the League Two championship in 2011/12.
Last match
Colchester United 3 Swindon Town 1 | January 28, 2020 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Colchester United stunned league-leaders Swindon Town with three late goals to take all three points on Tuesday night. The Robins had taken through Dialling Jaiyesimi but Luke Norris equalised with a well-placed header before Theo Robinson slid in to put the U's in front and sealed all three points with his second on 89 minutes.
The manager
Richie Wellens
Richie Wellens has been in charge of Swindon Town since October 2018.
The role is former Manchester United graduate Wellen’s second taste of management, prior to Swindon, he lasted just one season with Oldham Athletic as he failed to avoid the drop, as his former employers dropped down to League Two after finishing in 21st place.
Richie guided the Robins to a 13th place position last season, and with Swindon currently leading the pack, he will have all eyes on promotion this season.
The ground
- Name: The County Ground
- Capacity: 15,728
- Year Opened: 1892
- Address: The County Ground, Swindon SN1 2ED
The County Ground is located near the town centre of Swindon and has been home to the Robins since 1896. The ground has a current capacity of 15,728, all-seated, and away fans will be housed in the Stratton end and the Arkell stand.
Ones to watch
Eoin Doyle
Irish striker Doyle was recalled by Bradford in January after netting a remarkable 23 strikes in EFL Sky Bet League Two already this season. However he rejoined the Robins on a permanent deal on January 30 and will be looking to get back to scoring ways on Saturday.
Jerry Yates
Another player returning for a second spell at the County Ground this season is forward Jerry Yates, on-lona from Rotherham.
Yates has scored 13 times for the Robins already this season and will be crucial to Swindon's promotion push.
Season so far
Previous meetings
Exeter City 1 Swindon Town 1 | August 17, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
A late goal from Eoin Doyle prevented Exeter City from maintaining their perfect start to the season in a 1-1 draw at home to Swindon Town. The Grecians took the lead midway through the second half as Matt Jay superbly diverted a Lee Martin shot past Luke McCormick.
Swindon Town 0 Exeter City 2 | January 1, 2019 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
A wonder goal from teenager Archie Collins was the highlight of the day as Exeter City beat Swindon Town to do the double over the Robins.
It was the 19-year-old’s first goal in senior football and gave the Grecians a 2-0 advantage in a match that they controlled for the large parts.
Exeter City 2-0 Swindon Town | October 13, 2018 | EFL Sky Bet League Two
Goals in either half from Jonathan Forte and Jayden Stockley as Exeter made it seven games undefeated and continued their promotion surge, sitting in second place.
Swindon enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and equalled the Grecians nine attempts on goal, but were made to pay for their profligacy from the hosts.
Head-to-head
- Exeter - 28
- Draws - 28
- Swindon - 39
Ticket news
Tickets are on sale in the Stratton End for City's trip to the County Ground to face Swindon Town on Saturday, February 1 in a 3pm kick-off.
We have sold 1600 as of 9am on Wednesday, January 29 and 200 more are now on sale in advance. 428 will be made available on the day at the County Ground.
Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here. Tickets can also be purchased from the club shop until midday on Friday, January 31. Tickets can also be purchased on the day.