The Dream Dies

City’s magnificent second half of the season proved insufficient to gain a place in the promotion play-offs as Swindon Town gained a deserved point in yesterday’s derby at the Gate.

City did not look as sharp as in recent away performances and Swindon looked far from the worst side to visit BS3 this season and could well have won to maintain a slim chance of avoiding relegation. The draw was, however, not enough for the Moonrakers who are now consigned to the basement division.

Man of the Match Aaron Brown, returning to his old club, gave Swindon the lead on 49 minutes with a fine shot from the left side of the penalty area after a storming run which seemed to catch the City defence by surprise.

The visitor’s lead lasted until the 68th. minute when Dave Cotterill who, up to this point had been innocuous, curled a superb effort in to the top corner of the Swindon net.

The importance of the points to both sides resulted in a gung ho approach during the last fifteen minutes, end to end attacking producing chances but no further goals, although Swindon’s Jamie Cureton will have nightmares about one clear chance which he wasted by shooting high, wide and not so handsome.

An entertaining afternoon, ultimately disappointing for both Clubs and both sets of supporters, but 2006/07 can be approached by both with a degree of cautious optimism.