With Swindon and Hartlepool needing a point for both sides to clinch a place in the play-offs there was always going to be some conspiracy theories surfacing when the final game of the regular league season ended 1-1. However, by all accounts, Saturday's match at the County Ground was a hard fought affair and nobody can deny either side their place in the top six at the end of what has been a gruelling campaign. Swindon boss Andy King has done a marvellous job with the Wiltshire outfit, on such limited resources, and the club's reward is a two-legged tie against Brighton with a place at the Millennium Stadium showpiece at stake. Givemefootball's Mark Shail caught up Swindon striker Sam Parkin and got the thoughts of the former Chelsea player ahead of this weekend's big game.
Q:YOU MUST HAVE BEEN RELIEVED TO FINALLY GET THAT PLAY-OFF SPOT?
A:Yes we were, and in the end I suppose you have to say that we crawled over the line, but getting there was the most important thing. We had a great run during February and March but we have tailed off a bit in the last couple of months and that has been disappointing. Having said that, there were still some minor celebrations after Saturday's match.
Q:WERE YOU IMPRESSED WITH HARTLEPOOL?
A:Yes, they are a very solid side and we've had tough very tough games against them this year. Most people seem to think that Bristol City will be strong favourites when they meet in the play-offs, but in my eyes that tie is by no means a forgone conclusion.
Q:IS IT FAIR TO SAY THAT BOTH TEAMS WOULD HAVE SETTLED FOR A DRAW?
A:Inevitably there will be some people suggesting that both teams played for a draw, but that wasn't the case - we were ahead for 60 minutes of the contest and were pushing for another goal. Once Hartlepool got their goal it was only natural that both teams would get men behind the ball and protect what we had.
Q:ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE GAME AGAINST BRIGHTON?
A:To be honest, they were our preferred opponents out of the four sides in the play-offs. Hartlepool have a very good record at home and Bristol City have shown all season what a good team they are - hopefully we can meet them in the final. We drew with Brighton at their place and beat them at home, so we know we can get the better of them. They are in good form at present but we will go into the tie full of confidence.
Q:ARE YOU ENJOYING WORKING WITH ANDY KING?
A:Yes, very much, he placed a lot of confidence in me when he plucked me from relative obscurity while I was playing for Chelsea reserves. I feel I have improved as a player over the last two seasons and I'm enjoying playing up front with Tommy Mooney because I feel I am benefiting from his wealth of experience.
Q:YOU HAVE BEEN LINKED TO A NUMBER OF CLUBS, WOULD YOU LIKE TO PLAY AT A HIGHER LEVEL?
A:I think all players in the Nationwide leagues would like to play at a higher level and we've got an ideal opportunity at Swindon to get into the First Division. It would be great to go on holiday this summer knowing that when we comeback training we will be preparing for life in Division One.
Q:WERE YOU DISAPPOINTED TO SEE CHELSEA CRASH OUT OF THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE?
A:Yes I was because the club will never have a better chance of getting into the Champions League Final. That said, Monaco are a very good side and they've got a good chance of winning it now.
