MARCH 28 has not been the best of days for Swindon Town in recent years, with only one victory recorded in the last ten games on this date - and none in the last seven.

In 1959, it was Easter Saturday and Town met today’s previously scheduled opponents, Colchester United, at the County Ground, in the new-look Third Division.

The U’s had been in the top six since Christmas and in the top three at the start of the month, whereas Swindon - with just one win in their last eleven games - were 19th and struggling to stay clear of the Fourth Division trap door.

And there was more bad news in that club captain Maurice Owen, who had not missed a game all season, would be out for the foreseeable future with a broken leg sustained at Doncaster the day before.

In his place at left-half, Rex Tilley returned for his first senior game since September 6, while the captain’s duties were passed to John Neal.

Bert Head made one other change where 18-year-old Bobby Woodruff made way for the experienced Bob Edwards at inside-left.

Town surged forward from the off, having two efforts - from the two new men - blocked in the opening minute.

Colchester rarely mustered an effort to cause home keeper Ray Chandler any concern in the first half, with danger man Neil Langman being well policed by centre-half Peter Chamberlain.

Five minutes after the visitors had had a goal disallowed for a handling offence and with 20 minutes left, Swindon took the lead.

Arnold Darcy dashed down the left flank before delivering the perfect cross for Willie Marshall to beat keeper Percy Ames with a glancing header.

Signed from Bradford City a month earlier, it was the Scot’s fourth goal for the club.

With full-backs Neal and Walter Bingley continuing to snuff out the supply to United’s wingers, the two points were made safe two minutes from time.

John Richards saw a shot blocked by Ames but the rebound fell kindly for Darcy and the little winger smashed it into the net.