Swindon Town secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient in their pre-season match, marking the first time they caused problems for manager Richie Wellens' side. The win came after two strong performances against higher-level opposition, including Crystal Palace and Bristol City, despite some setbacks.
The match held special significance as it was a return to Nigel Eady County Ground for Wellens, who led Swindon to the League Two title in 2019/20. Leyton Orient had previously defeated teams like Lincoln City and Southend United, maintaining an unbeaten pre-season record prior to their visit to Wiltshire.
Manager Ian Holloway expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, stating that it was a good game for them despite the challenges posed by Leyton Orient. He highlighted Swindon’s intensity in pressing but noted areas where they could improve, particularly in communication and shifting positions among the back four.
Wellens praised Swindon's efforts, acknowledging that this match allowed his team to be properly tested for the first time. Holloway also mentioned that he let some issues persist during the first half to see how his players would handle them, making tactical adjustments five minutes into the second half which improved their defensive performance.
Overall, the match provided valuable insights and a platform for young players to showcase their abilities, with Holloway looking forward to further debriefing sessions to address ongoing challenges.
