Hartlepool have come from nowhere to suddenly open up a five-point lead at the top of League Two and it seems the other promotion challengers are struggling to go the pace with Danny Wilson's in-form Monkeyhangers. Swindon looked one of the title favourites at the turn of the year but a dip in form has seen the Robins slip to fourth in the table. Last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Stockport was a particularly disappointing result for the Wiltshire outfit and Paul Sturrock will be hoping his side can regain the winning habit when they host Accrington on Saturday. One Swindon player who has been catching the eye though is striker Lee Peacock, who picked up the PFA Fans' Player of the Month award for January. Givemefootball's Mark Shail is the man armed with the questions.
Q:WHAT WAS YOUR REACTION TO PICKING UP THE AWARD?
A:I was over the moon because it's an award voted for by the fans and it's always nice when the supporters appreciate your efforts. They come along and pay their money and it's important to try and put a smile on their faces.
Q:WAS IT A SURPRISE BECAUSE FOR A LARGE PART OF JANUARY YOU HAD BEEN PLAYING IN A MIDFIELD ROLE, HADN'T YOU?
A:Yes, the gaffer wanted me to drop back and play in a more withdrawn role and it seemed to go okay. I played there in a couple of practice matches and in one of the games I actually played in defence – if I go any further back I'll end up in goal! In fact, while I was at Sheffield Wednesday I did go in goal once against Bristol City because we didn't have a reserve keeper on the bench, so maybe that's where I'll end up playing.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH THE RESULT AGAINST STOCKPORT?
A:Yes, it was a massive blow and for whatever reason we just went to pieces. We're not showing the same spark as we did earlier in the season, which is why we're having a lot of practice matches in training to try and put things right. I think the manager is planning to bring in a couple of players on loan and maybe that will be the boost we need to kick on again.
Q:THINGS ARE STILL PRETTY TIGHT AT THE TOP OF THE TABLE THOUGH, AREN'T THEY?
A:They are, Hartlepool seem to be running away with things at the moment but all the other sides are dropping points. But if we can win on Saturday, and then win the game in hand we have over the top two, things will look very different.
Q:IS AUTOMATIC PROMOTION THE MAIN TARGET?
A:It's got too be, I don't want to have to go through the play-offs again – I've had too many disappointments in those down the years. Given the finances at the club, I suppose the best scenario from a money point of view would be to win the play-off final but the players would much rather go up automatically and avoid all that drama.
Q:HOW ARE YOLU ENJOYING WORKING WITH PAUL STURROCK?
A:He's been brilliant so far and he's even given me the captain's armband on a couple of occasions when Aidy Williams has been injured and I enjoyed the extra responsibility. He was the one who suggested I played in midfield because he thought it could prolong my career and I've got to thank him for that if it means I'm able to play a bit longer.
Q:WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AHEAD OF THE ACCRINGTON GAME?
A:We drew up at their place but they are a very strong, physical side and we know it's going to be tough. They'll be direct, rough and ready, so we need to be prepared because they have got some big lads who will be a threat, particularly at set pieces.
