FOOTBALL-MAD schoolchildren got into the big match spirit yesterday with a colourful show of support for Swindon Town.

All week we have been hearing from fans who want nothing more than to see their team triumph before a capacity crowd when they take to the pitch this afternoon.

When the fans at a packed out County Ground get behind the players it can be heard loud and clear from nearby Drove Primary School so the pupils thought it only right that they put on a show of support for their neighbours.

The excited kids cheered loudly as they sent dozens of red balloons soaring skywards.

The balloons carried the message ‘come on you reds’ which is exactly what Town need to do if they are to take that vital step towards safety against MK Dons today.

Just weeks ago the team’s chances of dodging the drop were looking increasingly slim, but a turnaround in fortunes and two potential season-changing performances against Millwall and Fleetwood have seen a new momentum build.

However, it’s not over yet and with five games to go there is no room for any slip-ups.

A loss today would mean the potential for Town fans having to make the long trip up to the likes of League Two’s Carlisle and Blackpool next year would, once again, become more likely.

But if the positive showing from the Town faithful this week is anything to go by, there will be nothing but positivity when the whistle goes at 3pm.

The club has even reduced the ticket prices for this weekend’s clash.

Some of the children showing their support in the Drove Primary playground could well be in the stands cheering on their team for the first time as a result.

One pupil, budding year six footballer Joe, is keeping optimistic about the game despite thinking the team really needs to play better to achieve its full potential.

Even at his young age, 11-year-old Joe knows how important it is that the fans get behind the players.

“They are very kind as a team,” he said.

“But they need a bit of help to get going.”

Andrew Bilko, who teaches football to Joe and his classmates, is still holding out hope but he has a bit of advice ahead of the final run-in.

“I would love it if they stayed up,” said Andrew.

“I’m optimistic about the game but they have to be consistent.”