SWINDON TOWN: SWINDON Town have now lost two out of their most recent three matches which has brought a new sense of realism to the season, and on Saturday Dennis Wise takes his team to Nottingham to face County at Meadow Lane.

Led by Steve Thompson who replaced Gudjon Thordason in May, County have had a solid start to the campaign and claimed a 3-2 victory at Barnet last weekend. Coming back from two goals down, the Magpies struck through skipper Alan White, Andy Parkinson and Jason Lee.

At home, Thompson's team are undefeated with two wins and two draws, and three of County's last four matches have ended 3-2.

The boss and his skipper were embroiled in controversy in the recent match at MK Dons, when the referee sent the player off and the manager to the stands.

With Matt Somner also given his marching orders, County were reduced to nine men on the pitch and Thompson has been charged with abusive language towards an official.

Showing a good sense of democracy, the boss announced that as he was fining White, he would fine himself as well.

Lee is better known through his time at neighbours Forest and he appears to be a permanent fixture up front this term. Thompson is still trying various combinations as he attempts to find the right man to partner him.

Goalkeeper Ian Pilkington was kept out of the Manchester United team by Peter Schmeichel in his early days at Old Trafford. Making eight first team outings for the Red's and loan appearances for a variety of clubs, he came to Meadow Lane in June 2005 after five years at neighbours Mansfield Town.

Top scorer Daniel Martin is on four goals all together, while Mike Edwards, Lee and White are all on two.

The summer managerial change, which also saw ex-Town defender Ross McLaren leave his post as assistant, was significant for a huge turnover in playing staff. Over a dozen men came in with a similar number out.