Swindon Town's start to the League Two season has been difficult, with just one win from their opening three matches. Manager Ian Holloway faces early questions after a performance against Oldham Athletic that was described as being outplayed in every department except goalkeeping, according to a report in the Swindon Advertiser this week. The team currently sits 14th in the table with four points from a win, a draw, and a loss, a record that leaves them three points behind early leaders Barnet.
Their offensive struggles are stark. Across the three fixtures, Swindon have registered only four shots on target. Both of their goals this season came from situations where they won the ball back and exploited space quickly, but such moments have been rare. With two goals scored and four conceded, their negative goal difference reflects the balance of play.
What has gone wrong in attack?
The statistics point to a disconnect in the final third. Key attackers have found themselves isolated. In one match, defender Donervon Daniels recorded fewer touches than striker Tom Nichols, highlighting a lack of service. Similarly, centre-back Ryan Delaney had just one more touch than forward Ollie Palmer in another game. This suggests the team is struggling to build sustained pressure and get the ball to its primary threats in dangerous areas. You can view the individual contributions on our stats page.
Pre-season offered little indication of these issues. Swindon played a series of friendlies against higher-level opposition, including Crystal Palace, Bristol City, and Cardiff City, as well as matches against Leyton Orient and Forest Green Rovers. Those games were meant to build cohesion, but the competitive sharpness seen in August has not materialized.
How did the Oldham defeat unfold?
The 1-0 loss to Oldham Athletic served as a low point. The Advertiser's analysis stated Oldham were superior in every outfield department. Swindon failed to test the opposition goalkeeper consistently, a theme of their early campaign. This result contributed to their current league position and recent form of loss, win, draw (LWD). It also showed a team that may have prepared for a different kind of test than the one League Two has presented.
What is the tactical picture?
Opponents have found ways to bypass Swindon's midfield. Against Cheltenham Town, their back four attempted 37 long balls, while goalkeeper Wyll Stanway launched 20 more. This direct approach from rivals has forced Swindon into a reactive style, preventing Holloway's side from implementing their preferred game plan. The manager now must find solutions to gain more control in central areas and create a higher volume of chances.
Looking ahead, the immediate focus is on halting this inconsistent start. The squad has quality, as shown in patches, but needs to find a reliable formula. Their next run of games, which you can see on our fixtures page, will be important for building momentum. With the standings showing a tight early table, points are crucial to avoid falling further behind the promotion pace.
