Swindon Town got their season off to a flying start against Keith Curle’s Carlisle United, earning an excellent 2-1 away victory at Brunton Park in front of over 6,000 supporters, including over 500 making the long journey from Wiltshire.
Town opened the scoring thanks to Luke Norris who headed home from a Chris Hussey free-kick. The Reds doubled their lead two minutes after the interval thanks to new signing Paul Mullin. Carlisle pulled one back, courtesy of Luke Joyce but it wasn’t enough for United.
Flitcroft handed debuts to Ben Purkiss, Olly Lancashire, Chris Hussey, Amine Linganzi, James Dunne and Paul Mullin. David Flitcroft opted for the 4-4-2 formation instead of the 4-3-3 which was, also used in pre-season.
While Keith Curle handed debuts to keeper Jack Bonham and Tom Parkes. Curle also decided to play Hallam Hope up front as a lone striker.
Both teams had chances in the first-half. Town had the first chance of the game when Paul Mullin had his header saved by United keeper Bonham. Flitcroft’s men had another chance, but Norris was denied by the Carlisle keeper. Down the other end, Nicky Adam’s had his header superbly tipped over the bar by Lawerence Vigouroux. Minutes later Tom Parkes steered his shot wide of the Swindon goal. Then Carlisle had a great chance after Hallam Hope teed up Jamie Devitt but the 27-year-old was denied by the post.
However, five minutes later Swindon made the break through. Loanee Chris Hussey whipped in a beautiful free-kick which found an unmarked Luke Norris who headed home, but he was forced to come off for Harry Smith as he injured himself in scoring the goal. Norris’s goal meant that it was 1-0 to Swindon at half-time.
Swindon got off to the perfect start to the second-half. A mistake at the back allowed John Goddard time for a long-range drive which cannoned of the post into the path of debutant Paul Mullin who bundled home to make it 2-0.
But only eight minutes later Carlisle pulled one back. Luke Joyce’s strike from the edge of the box gave United hope. Shortly after Flitcroft made his second change of the afternoon, subbing of James Brophy for youngster Ellis Iandolo. But Iandolo was later subbed off for Conor Thomas
Harry Smith saw his effort ruled out for offside, as Town looked to restore their two goal cushion. Carlisle started to pile pressure on Swindon and chances fell to Richie Bennet and Mark Ellis but they were both squandered. United subbed on Shaun Miller for Hallam Hope in an attempt to find an equaliser. However, Swindon’s new back four stayed strong, and the Reds held on for the win much to the delight of the travelling 557 Swindon fans.
This victory has shown that Swindon are keen to put last season behind them and that they are trying to get out of the division as soon as possible. Brunton Park is not an easy place to go so this is a massive result for Town. But for Carlisle, the defeat has shown that they need to partner someone up front with Hallam Hope. Teams shouldn’t be playing with one up front at home, and Keith Curle would’ve hopefully learnt some lessons from today.
Swindon face Norwich on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup, while Carlisle travel to League One side Fleetwood Town.
