By Laurie Fitzgerald
Today sees one of the highlights in the calendar of the Football League season, as Chesterfield and Swindon meet at Wembley to decide who triumphs in the Johnstone Paint Trophy Final.
While the showpiece event pits opposition from League One against a League Two outfit, both sides have had differing fortunes in their respective division that means this is set to be a close encounter.
Chesterfield have been embroiled in a battle to stay in League One for most of the season, while Swindon currently sit atop League Two and very much favourites to secure automatic promotion.
After a terrible start to the season, John Sheridan‘s side underwent a revival at the start of the year that coincided with booking their trip to Wembley.
Their run to the final has seen them win at Notts County, edge a seven-goal thriller against Tranmere, overcome Preston on penalties, and then beating Oldham over two legs.
But while they are unbeaten in four matches, their draw at home to the MK Dons last weekend saw them fall to the bottom of the table in what has become a tight relegation battle.
Sheridan will also be confident going into the final knowing that, excluding their recent 4-0 loss to league leaders Charlton, they have been a much tighter defensive unit in recent months.
There have also been more goals in the side, with the likes of talented youngster Jordan Bowery and Craig Westcarr able to provide the firepower to cause Swindon enough problems this afternoon.
However, they come up against a Swindon side full of self-belief after a stunning run of form has catapulted the Robins eight points clear of those in the play-off positions.
At the beginning of the campaign many questioned the appointment of Paolo Di Canio as manager, especially after his very public row with striker Leon Clarke highlighted his fiery temperament (ironically Clarke was loaned to Chesterfield as a result.)
But the Italian has proven all his doubters wrong and getting the best out of a talented squad, culminating in the side winning 11 of their last 13 league games to leave them on the brink of promotion.
They have the best defence in the division, while Matt Ritchie has been inspirational in the Swindon midfield, and this has not gone unnoticed with the 22 year-old winning the League Two Player of the Year.
Paul Benson has been prolific since his arrival from Charlton in a swap deal for Clarke, and he will be leading the line as they try to cause an upset today.
Swindon’s trip to Wembley has seen them defeat Exeter, overcoming AFC Wimbledon on penalties, winning at Southend before beating Barnet in the semi-finals.
With both sets of fans set to enjoy a great day out, it’s all set to be a fascinating final between two sides that will be grateful for one last distraction before their respective run-in’s to the season.
Prediction: Both teams have goals in them and it could all be decided by the odd goal; I’m going for Swindon to edge it 2-1 after extra-time.
So what do you think? Who will come out on top in today’s final? Leave a comment and let us know your views.
