AS SWINDON fell to their 11th league defeat of this topsy-turvy season last Saturday I wasn’t overcome with the huge wave of disappointment that normally follows a Town defeat.

Instead, it was a slight sense of encouragement at how, despite being behind for the majority of the 90 minutes, David Flitcroft’s side never looked defeated but confident in their own ability to turn things around.

It’s something that’s been missing for large parts of this season. Town have collapsed on a few occasions when falling behind, the biggest and most brutal example coming on Boxing Day against Luton.

With only a week left in the January transfer window let’s hope all the business isn’t done at the County Ground, with a new centre-back top of the shopping list.

With Dion Conroy unlikely to return this season the manager has no other names to call on for his new three at the back system if any of Olly Lancashire, Chris Robertson or Matt Preston get injured or fall into a bad run of form, meaning the arrival of a new face is important to make sure the 3-5-2 formation can always be used this season.

Another position that needs reinforcements this month is between the sticks.

Reice Charles-Cook has looked good, but with manager David Flitcroft confirming in a recent interview that Lawrence Vigouroux won’t play for Swindon again, a replacement for the Chilean is important.

It’s clear that Will Henry has big potential, but he isn’t quite ready to be competing for the number one spot and it’s vital Charles-Cook sees a serious threat for his place in the side, as that will bring the best from our new first-choice keeper.

On Monday, it was great to see midfielder Timi Elsnik return to action for Derby County’s academy side, as the 19-year-old builds up his fitness before returning to Town soon.

The Slovenian’s absence has been painfully obvious, as Town have failed to look as creative in the middle of the park since his injury.

After suffering their first defeat of 2018 last weekend Town get the chance to return to winning ways this Saturday as Crewe Alexandra visits the County Ground, followed by a trip to Stevenage next Tuesday.

If Town has any hope of promotion this season it’s games against sides from the bottom half of the table they need to start winning comfortably, not struggling for 80 minutes then bundling in a winner. Let’s hope we see a convincing victory to start building some momentum in 2018.