AS AMERICA focused on a key day in the race to the White House on Super Tuesday, Jon Obika’s brace in Swindon’s 2-0 win over Doncaster Rovers made March 1, 2016, a key date in Town’s quest for success this season.
After suffering defeat at Port Vale just over a month ago, Town sat 17th in League One and seven points away from the relegation zone.
Fast-forward to the present day and Town now have more in common with the sides pushing for promotion, as four wins in a row has launched Luke Williams’ side into play-off contention, just four points behind the top six.
After Lee Power handed Williams the reins until the end of the season, many wondered if he had what it took to make the transition from part of a coaching team to the main man at a football club.
It’s been an impressive start, winning five of his opening nine games. It’s early days of course, but all the signs point to a good appointment from the chairman.
On Tuesday Obika and Nicky Ajose again showed why they could easily lead the line for a Championship side the Doncaster defenders couldn’t handle them over the 90 minutes.
Obika’s double takes the tally to 31 goals between them this season, an incredible feat considering we still have 12 games left.
It wasn’t just the front two that stole the show either, as the midfield three of Michael Doughty, Ellis Iandolo and Drissa Traore dominated their opponents.
Iandolo isn’t a name many Town fans would’ve come across this season. The 18-year old signed a one-year-deal in the summer after impressing on trial whilst playing for academy side Soccer Elite FA against Town’s Under 18s.
He marked his full home debut with an impressive display and showed why the club had faith in him last summer. On early evidence, he looks the real deal.
Traore also made a huge impression and enjoyed his best game for the club since he signed from Notts County last summer.
The Ivorian youth international hasn’t been able to hold down a place in the side, mainly due to significant periods away from the club.
Hopefully with that behind him, he can concentrate on his football.
Follow me on Twitter @danwjonson
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