TOWN skipper Nathan Thompson is looking on the upcoming blank Saturday as a positive rather than an unwelcome break in the side's winning rhythm.

Swindon sit out this weekend's round of fixtures, with scheduled opponents Bradford City in FA Cup action against Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Having won eight of their last 10 League One fixtures, a weekend of inaction might be viewed as an unwanted hiatus in Town's superb season, but Thompson believes it gives the squad vital breathing space ahead of their return to action at Sheffield United a week on Saturday.

"No-one ever goes into a game feeling 100 per cent so when we're able to take a breather and fully recharge our batteries, it's really important for us," he said.

"I know the schedule the management have in place for the next couple of weeks will enable us to get back to what we do whilst fully recharging our batteries.

"Everyone knows that the fixtures are demanding on the body and I think we were quite fortunate with international breaks throughout the year, that we were able to stop and recharge and go again so when we play Sheffield United we'll be fully recharged and looking to pick up three points."