Here we go again!

I wouldn’t blame you if you were to get confused over this blog entry and think I’m repeating myself, as Tuesday night saw the Swindon faithful, all 189 of us, travel back to St. James Park, Exeter for an identical fixture in a matter of 7 days.

This time a place in the the Johnstones Paint Trophy Area Quarter Finals is up for grabs, and this time, there would HAVE to be a winner, with the tie going straight to penalties if the scores are level after 90 minutes.

I made the trip West the night before the big-game this week to spend some time with my Danes’ Road Uni mates. The plan was to take it easy Monday night, and then get on the session Tuesday night. Somehow this turned into getting on the session Monday night and feeling sorry for ourselves Tuesday night, but it was well worth it. Check out Facebook to see why.

I think for the first time this season we made our way to the ground with literally minutes to spare as sober as a judge. 189 Swindon fans had made the midweek journey, hats off to all that did. A quick check on me mobily for the team sheets chucked up a bit of a surprise. Wilson had tinkered with his side a little for the JPT fixture, whilst adhering to 2006’s rule that states you must play at least 6 players with the most appearances in their respective positions. Phil Smith got his 2nd appearance of the season as first choice David Lucas dropped to the bench. Jean-Francois Lescinel regained his left back berth over youngster Callum Kennedy who has occupied it for the last two games, and Michael Timlin steps into the centre of midfield to replace Simon Ferry. The bench was also looking a bit different, including new signing Charlie Austin, and 15 year old starlet, Alex Henshall, who would be Swindon’s youngest ever first team player if he came on, taking the record from winger Lloyd Macklin who is currently on the treatment table with a leg fracture.

It took 10 minutes for the first real chance of the game, thanks to the creativity of our once very own Barry Corr. He capitalised on Jonathan Douglas’ poor clearance by heading down for Richard Logan on the edge of the area. Logan, who rescued a point a week earlier, had been handed a start tonight by manager Tisdale. Unfortunately for Exeter, he was unable to replicate his form and sent his half volley narrowly over the bar.

Saturday saw two Swindon strikers open their accounts for the season against Brentford. Hutchinson scored one whilst Revell bagged himself two in the 3-2 victory at Griffin Park. Ben Hutchinson went close to doubling his tally on 16 minutes with Swindon showing signs of their attacking prowess. The Celtic loanee met Jean-Francois Lescinel’s cross on the volley. He got the technique all right but was unable to direct it past 2nd choice keeper Andy Marriott.

However, a minute later, Marriott was beaten in extraordinary fashion by tricky winger Anthony McNamee. Whether he meant it or not only he will know, but I’m sure he will claim he was going for goal. Macca hit a cross-cum-shot from the left wing after taking on one defender, stood back and watched his spectacular effort sail into the far corner as Marriott was caught off-guard.

Exeter fought back almost immediately after falling behind as they had a week previously. Barry Corr directed his header well wide of Smith’s goal after connecting with a nice delivery from Adam Stansfield. And shortly after Smith was tested from Richard Logan who would be trying to prove Tisdale made the right decision to start him. He forced a save from ex-Millwall keeper Phil Smith with a half-volley but Smith was equal to his shot and kept the scores level.

But it was Swindon again who came closest to adding to the score line. Jon-Paul McGovern already has two to his name this time round but he should have had three as McNamee’s crossing terrorised the Exeter defence. McGovern slid in at the far post to meet Macca’s dangerous ball in but Marriott made a great save to deflect the ball clear.

The tie had turned into a back and forth game of football, much to the delight of the 2,006 supporters in St. James Park. On 37 minutes, and out-of-character mistake from captain Gordon Greer gave Adam Stansfield a clear run on goal. His shot heading for the far bottom corner was turned around the post by Phil Smith, who looked like he had something to prove to manager Danny Wilson, and was on fine form!

And as half-time loomed, Exeter had another superb chance to go in level at the break, but Smith’s inspired performance continued to keeper the Grecians at bay. James Dunne spotted Smith, who is serving his 4th season with the Robins, off his line. Dunne attempted a spectacular 25-yard lob, but Smith saw what was coming and backtracked to tip the ball that was heading for the far corner over the bar superbly.

A very equal and enjoyable first half came to a close with Town just edging their noses in front with that bizarre Anthony McNamee goal.

Paul Tisdale made a change at the break, replacing Barry Corr, much to the jeers of the travelling support as it would mean Corr was unable to make an account against his former employees in two meetings so far, and would have to wait until April for his next chance. Scott Golbourne replaced the tall striker. Wilson kept his team unchanged as Town looked to press on and build on the 1-0 lead McNamee had secured in the first 45 minutes.

Swindon started the 2nd half brightly, looking to bury the game, something we’ve struggled to do this term. Alex Revell was on the prowl for his 3rd in a Swindon shirt and possibly an extension on his loan deal that will keep him in a red shirt until January. He managed to wriggle free of some tight Devonshire marking before firing in a low shot forcing a one-handed stretched save out of 38 year old Andy Marriott. Having played second fiddle to his younger counterpart 18 year old Oscar Jansson, Marriott was making a good account for himself today. Anthony McNamee then nearly chalked his 2nd on the board but he could only send his shot wide of the goal.

As Exeter struggled to create any positive chances so far in the 2nd half, Tisdale tinkered a bit more, bringing on fan favourite Stuart Fleetwood for James Dunne who had gone close with his lob in the first half.

And as the game fizzled out to a midfield battle riddled with mistakes, Lee Peacock made his way off the bench for his first taste of first team action since going under the knife on a long-standing back injury in March this year. He received a warm welcome from the travelling faithful.

Exeter then had a what at first look seemed a strong penalty appeal turned down by the referee. In the 75th minute, substitute Stuart Fleetwood had cut inside on the right wing, passing Gordon Greer and looked to have been brought down by Scott Cuthbert in the area. The referee waved away any Grecian protests and after having a 2nd look, it appears that Fleetwood was looking for the spot-kick and may have fell a bit too easily, no doubt a controversial subject among rival fans.

Tisdale played his last throw of the dice in an attempt to force penalties, as he replaced Steve Tully with Neil Saunders shortly after the penalty appeal.

Peacock had an excellent opportunity to mark his return to action with what would surely be the winning goal. He capitalised on some slack defending and found himself one on one with Marriott. The striker who’s been with The Robins since 2006 was let down by his touch, perhaps a bit rusty after his spell on the sidelines and Marriott was able to recover and parry Peacock’s shot wide for a corner. The 32 year old still managed a smile for the 189 fans applauding him for his effort and return to the game.

New signing Charlie Austin then received a warm welcome to his playing career at Swindon as he entered the fray in place of Ben Hutchinson. Chances were few and far between for Swindon and Austin had little time to make an impact on the game, though chased hard in an attempt to make chances for himself.

And as the 4th official indicated 3 minutes of injury, it was then that Swindon slipped into their old ways. Richard Logan managed a flick on for substitute Stuart Fleetwood, who’s superb deft touch put a perfectly weighted ball over the head of Phil Smith and into the back of the net. With the last kick of the game, Swindon had once again relinquished a 1-0 win, and would have to partake in the footballing lottery that is penalties.

I must admit, my confidence for the upcoming penalty shootout was low. Having conceded so late in the game yet again, I thought heads would drop. And we’ve a pretty poor record when it comes to penalty shootouts, already dropping out of the Carling Cup earlier this season to Wolves after making a decent account of ourselves in 120 minutes.

However, my gut instincts were gladly proven wrong, as Town’s players put in a confident and experienced looking display in the shootout. Exeter took the first penalty, with Richard Logan stepping up to convert. And convert he did sending Phil Smith the wrong way. Jon-Paul McGovern then tucked his corner passed Marriott who had guessed the right corner. Daniel Seabourne then saw his penalty go under Smith who had got close to it. Michael Timlin then sent Marriott the wrong way as he made it 2-2 in the shootout. Matthew Taylor then took a long run up and saw his penalty hit the back of the net, even though Smith appeared to be getting closer and closer to each penalty, it looked like he got a touch on this one before it went in. Captain Gordon Greer, who had missed his penalty against Wolves converted a calm penalty to keep Swindon’s Wembley dream alive. Then the heroics hit. Phil Smith made a great save to deny Neil Saunders’ penalty and with the advantage now swinging the Wiltshire team’s way, Kevin Amankwaah sent Marriott the wrong way to pile all the pressure onto Exeter’s next penalty taker, Stuart Fleetwood. It was a bitter sweet penalty save from Phil Smith that sent Swindon through to the Area Quarter Finals, as the man who’s injury time lob gave Exeter a lifeline, failed to convert his penalty, and justice from the travelling fans point of view, had been served.

Saturday we welcome Millwall to the County Ground, and Wilson I’m sure will be trying to heal this mental issue we seem to have with conceding late goals. Yet again we’ve given up a lead, but you cannot fault Swindon’s coolness to convert their penalties, and Phil Smith’s heroics throughout the 90 minutes and shootout. Onwards and upwards, the Wembley dream is truly alive and well, and I’ll be setting my alarm for the Johnstones Paint Trophy draw live on Soccer:AM Saturday morning.