On the face of it Saturday's draw with Stockport was a decent result and you probably have to say that the Swans should be favourites now to progress to the tie with Reading on January 8th. But is the reality of the draw the fact that we now have a game that we don't want to play?

Over the next four weeks we face 7 league games and this cup replay meaning that our resources could well be stretched to the very limit. It's easy to say that it's just one more game in a very busy period but it also means that we lose the opportunity of a week of between two tough away fixtures and the start of a run of three home games in four. (now obviously four in five)

I'm not complaining about the fact that we are still in the FA Cup and a tie at Reading, no matter how unglamorous, will still provide a half decent pay day for the club but we really could have done without the replay. Especially after a period when we haven't picked up points in the last two league games and have several players returning from both suspension and injury - surely the last thing that we need now is an extra game to fit into an already tight schedule.

Despite their league position, Oxford will prove a test for us on Wednesday night and then it's a trip to leaders Scunthorpe on Saturday which, as Lee Trundle said "is a massive game" and certainly one that we have to gain something for if we want to remain in touch with them at the top of the league.

But after that at least we could have looked forward to the rest for a week before Notts County arrive for a 'should win' game on 18th December and then a week later we see the first of four games in 8 days - tough for any side to get through let alone sides in League Two.

Of course we were handed an added bonus yesterday with Scunny drawing Chelsea in the FA Cup and all Swans fans will be hoping that they have one eye on this fixture over the Christmas period. It is of course vital that we put a few results together between now and any third round tie that we may have and I would very much like to see the Swans in the top 3 come the New Year. The reality is we should be and looking at those seven league fixtures, we should win at least four if we want to be taken seriously as a promotion contender. The 'big two' are mixed in there in Scunny and Yeovil on New Years Day and picking up points from either/both those two will stand us in very good stead.

What we have to hope is that we come through the period unscathed in terms of injuries and suspensions. There can be no moments of disciplinary madness and fingers crossed no knocks to the players so that we can look forward to the New Year with optimism. On that note, I really do feel that the club should drop any appeal over Garry Monk's suspension. Whether you believe it harsh or deserved I don't think there is mileage in it and I fear that an appeal may even see that ban extended - definitely the last thing that we need.

The next month is going to play a big part in shaping this season, let's hope we are up for the challenge.

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