Swindon Town 0 Charlton Athletic 2

BREAKING NEWS

Town under new ownership

Despite witnessing Town's disappointing two-nil loss this evening, it has been confirmed that a new consortium has taken control at the County Ground.

After weeks of speculation, a deal was finally signed tonight.

Now in full control: the new team at the helm of STFC:
(l to r) manager Paul Sturrock, sporting director Rufus Brevett, a key

director of Best Holdings SGPS S.A. and Town advisor Mike Diamandis,
as pictured during pre-season preparations at the County Ground

The STFC official announcement in full:

'The Board of Swindon Town Football Club announced today that a contract has been signed with Best Holdings SGPS S.A. that will see them take control of the Club.

Spokesman for the Club, Director Bob Holt, explained that more information of the new investment would be released within the next few days but stressed that in the meantime, it would be very much business as usual at The County Ground.'

Reid it and weep

Carling Cup, First Round

Tuesday 14 August 2007

RESULT: Swindon Town 0 Charlton Athletic 2

Charlton scorers: Ambrose 52, Reid (pen) 62

Championship Charlton were just too good for League One Swindon last night, despite the Robins putting up a spirited display.

Paul Sturrock handed debuts to new boy Craig Easton and also youth team player Ben Tozer. Charlton on the other hand names a strong looking side that contained a number of players with Premiership and International experience.

Eye on the ball:
new signing Miguel Comminges battles
against Charlton last night

The first-half was very competitive but neither side could find the cutting edge up front to make the breakthrough.

Charlton played some good football and lived up to their billing of favourites for a quick return to the Premiership.

However, Town didn't seem fazed by their Championship peers and looked solid at the back, but still seem rather short in the attacking department.

Ran out of steam

The second-half brought about a change in fortunes for the visitors as Darren Ambrose provided the breakthrough they needed, as he forced the ball home from close range.

They quickly added another when Tozer was harshly adjudged to have brought down Izale McLeod in the box.

Andy Reid took the spot-kick which he duly dispatched into the bottom corner, however he was ordered to retake the penalty as the ref had spotted some encroachment. Despite Peter Brezovan's best efforts Reid blasted the ball into the same spot and gave them what proved to be an unassailable lead.

No clear cut chances:
despite pressurising the Charlton goal,

Town couldn't find the end result

Paul Sturrock made some changes in an attempt to get back into the game, bringing on the enigmatic Sofiene Zaaboub along with Spanish new boy Ibon Arrieta and Michael Pook.

Unfortunately the Charlton defence stood firm and the Town will have to focus on other competitions if they are to reach the hallowed turf of Wembley this year.

The County Ground will play host to Luton Town on Saturday as Paul Sturrock's men look to build on a promising start and will be looking for their first win of the new campaign.