SWINDON Town’s 3-5-2 formation has flattered to deceive more than once already this season.

In theory, with two wing-backs bombing up and down their respective flank, Town should be able to boast both five men in midfield and defence, whether they be on the front foot or the back.

However, too often the team has been caught out by the over-enthusiasm of their wide players to get forward, which leaves the three-man defence exposed when possession is coughed up and the opposition allowed to counter.

If it has led to the downfall of Town in recent weeks then by the same virtue, it was also the catalyst for their strongest performance of the season against Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

The Latics could not live with the speed of Darnell Furlong on the right and Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill on the opposite flank and the home full-backs were often chasing shadows.

With other Oldham players pulled out wide to support the full-backs in an effort to nullify Town’s threat there, that created plenty of space in the middle of the park – space which was ruthlessly exploited by John Goddard.

For much of Goddard’s brief Town career he has been deployed in a number 10 role alongside a more recognised striker.

However, against the Latics, he was the most of advanced of a midfield three and looked totally at home in the middle of the park.

With Yaser Kasim and Conor Thomas deeper, Goddard did not have to worry about tracking back and he could focus on providing Town with an attacking spark, evident by his killer final pass.