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NOT Ian Holloway: ‘There’s really nobody to blame but… That’s…’ Ryan Delaney responds to Swindon Town’s game-ending fumble vs Notts County
Swindon Town’s playoff push took another hit as they suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat to promotion-chasing Notts County at the County Ground. The result was decided in the first half, as a defensive error from Ryan Delaney in the 17th minute handed the visitors an early lead, before a well-worked counterattack in the 35th minute sealed the game for County.
From the start, Swindon struggled to match the intensity of their opponents, and their defensive frailty showed when Delaney attempted to clear a lofted ball into the box. Misjudging the flight of the ball, the experienced defender inadvertently set up County’s talisman, who slotted past the keeper with ease.
After the match, Delaney owned up to the mistake that led to the first goal. “There’s really nobody to blame but myself,” he admitted. “It was a miscalculation, plain and simple, and at this level, you get punished for it. The lads worked hard to respond, and I feel terrible for putting them in that position.”
The early setback seemed to rattle Swindon, who struggled to recover their rhythm. Despite some promising runs from winger Jake Cain and a header from Charlie Austin that went just wide, the home side couldn’t find the equalizer.
Notts County made them pay once again in the 35th minute. A misplaced pass in midfield left Swindon’s defense exposed, and a quick counterattack saw the visitors double their lead with a powerful strike from their leading scorer. Swindon went into halftime looking shell-shocked, and though they improved slightly in the second half, their inability to create clear chances ensured a comfortable victory for the visitors.
Swindon boss Ian Holloway was visibly disappointed but remained supportive of his players. “Mistakes happen, and Ryan knows that better than anyone,” Holloway said in his post-match press conference. “He’s experienced, and he’ll bounce back stronger. But let’s be clear—this was a team loss. We had plenty of time to respond, and we didn’t take our opportunities. That’s something we need to address.”
The defeat leaves Swindon Town in a precarious position as they attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive. With the Robins failing to secure a win in their last three outings, the pressure is mounting on Holloway and his squad to turn things around quickly.
Despite the result, fans were vocal in their support for Delaney after the game, appreciating his willingness to take accountability for the mistake. One fan commented, “Everyone makes mistakes. At least Ryan had the courage to come out and admit it. We need to stick together as a team and as a fanbase.”
Swindon now faces a crucial run of fixtures that could define their season. Holloway and his squad will need to address their defensive vulnerabilities and rediscover their attacking spark if they are to have any chance of securing a playoff spot. With the team’s character under scrutiny, the next few weeks will prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of their League Two campaign.
