Sports Round-Up 21 Febuary 2008 

Back in contention: Cox back from suspension

With the prospect of a potentially massive upcoming week, Maurice Malpas was happy to admit his players will be giving their all in the quest for a play-off place.

However, the Town boss wanted to stress that they would be taking it one game at a time, starting with Walsall on Saturday at the County Ground.

“Its going to be a really tough game, but it’s important we get the three points, whether we play well or play poorly,” declared Malpas.

With Lee Peacock returning to training and Simon Cox coming back from suspension, the team will undoubtedly benefit from their return.

“Coxy and Paynter excited me against Cheltenham and they link the play up very well for us, so I’m glad Simon is back,” he added.

But looking to next Saturday and the visit of Leeds United, the club has confirmed that they have already sold over 11,000 tickets and expect a crowd of over 14,000.

Match winner: Ashley Edenborough

Supermarine’s topsy-turvy season continued this week with yet another pair of yo-yo results.

 

Tuesday saw the visit of Clevedon Town to Hunts Copse in the quarter-finals of the Errea Cup.

Unfortunately for Marine it was a game they never turned up for, as they went crashing out of the Cup.

Three goals in each half put pay to any aspirations Swindon had of a semi-final berth.

However, back in league action on Saturday, Marine managed to respond with a gritty 2-1 win over bottom of the table Cheshunt.

The result was secured with a goal from Ashley Edenborough in the last 10 minutes and was enough to move Marine within three points of the play-offs.

Up next for Marine is a home fixture against Mangotsfield as they look to push for a play-off berth.

 

Football - Swindon Town Youth Team

 

Disappointing loss: Youth team boss Paul Bodin

Swindon’s Youth Team travelled to Charlton on Tuesday as they looked to continue their remarkable journey in the F.A. Youth Cup.

The Robins' youngsters were looking to reach the quarter-finals for the second successive season.

Unfortunately a poor first 20 minutes put pay to any hope of an upset as the home side raced into a 4-0 lead.

From then on it was a fairly well-matched game, but with the final score reading 5-1, it was a real eye-opener for Town’s young side.

Manager Paul Bodin was the first to admit that his team were "beaten by the better side" and that it would be a "steep learning curve" for his young players.

 

Ice Hockey - Swindon npower Wildcats

Two-goal hero: Matty Davies

The Wildcats' recent run of good form continued as they enjoyed some positive performances.

Saturday saw Romford visit the Link Centre, and two goals from youngster Matty Davies were enough to help the Cats clinch a 3-2 victory.

On Sunday, Swindon travelled to Bracknell to face the title-chasing Bees.

On their last visit, Swindon had managed to secure a 3-1 victory - a result that looked to be repeated as they raced into a 4-2 lead -helped by another Joel Petkoff hat-trick.

However two late strikes from the Bees,followed by another in overtime,meant the Cats only travelled home with 1 point.

 

Hockey - North Wilts Hockey Club

North Wilts Hockey Club got their Wiltshire Badgers Hockey League campaign underway against West Wilts.

 

The League has been designed to promote hockey amongst youngsters between 14 and 16.

First points of the season: North Wilts Hockey Club

 

Despite leading 3-1 following goals from Kiron Nomi, Rich Newton and man of the match Dave Milton, North Wilts were unable to hold on to the win.

 

However, the highly creditable draw gave the home-side their first point of the season.