EASTY'S EYE: Injury crisis gives us subs a chance (From Swindon Advertiser)

EASTY'S EYE: Injury crisis gives us subs a chance

8:00am Thursday 18th March 2010 in

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THE win at Brighton on Saturday was a great way to bounce back after two defeats in a row, and hopefully as you read this we will have built on that against Southampton on Tuesday evening.

Three injuries in the first half of the game at the Withdean Stadium meant Phil Smith, Mark Marshall and myself were called upon much earlier than any of us expected.

Not that we were complaining though as all the subs have been desperate for some first team action, and with the injuries mounting up the boys are ready to go.

David Lucas was the first casualty, replaced in goal by Phil Smith. With Billy not travelling after picking up a hamstring strain in training, Vincent and Charlie started up front but unfortunately for Vince, he also felt his hammy tighten.

Danny Ward took his place through the middle with Marshy out wide, that was until Wardy took an elbow to the head and had to come off at half-time, forcing the gaffer to shuffle things around again as I came on in the middle of the park and we reverted to a 4-5-1 formation.

At this stage of the season it’s important to have a strong squad and young Stephen Darby, signed on loan from Liverpool, made an impressive debut, especially given that he was playing against Brighton’s liveliest player - LuaLua.

Stephen only met the boys on Thursday but we had him up singing after dinner at the hotel on Friday as part of his initiation into the squad.

He gave a good performance of Rock DJ but I don’t think he really relaxed on the bus journey down as he was going through his ipod trying to pick a song and learn it before we got to the hotel!

At least he had the comfort of the team coach for the trip to Brighton though. Jeremy Wray, Nick Watkins, Chris Tanner and Adam Wainwright cycled all the way from the County Ground to the Withdean Stadium in aid of the Swindon Down’s Syndrome Group.

In total they cycled 126 miles, setting off on the Friday morning, and co-workers Derrick Johnson and Peter Jones did a vital job in the support van by keeping the boys hydrated and dealing with numerous punctures during the journey.

The group rode alongside the team bus for the last few miles to the stadium on Saturday - probably their most dangerous of the entire trip as Pete the driver playfully swerved to keep them on their toes.

After climbing the steep hill leading to the stadium they even had enough energy left for a couple of laps around the Withdean running track, although the length of time spent in the saddle obviously took it’s toll as Adam couldn’t sit down to watch the game.

It was a great effort and they have already raised more than £6,000 for the charity. The target is £10,000 and to donate visit www.justgiving.co.uk/swindontownfc.