Kabongo Tshimanga struck his 11th league goal of the campaign as Swindon Town stormed to a commanding 4-0 away victory over Grimsby Town, breathing new life into their once unlikely bid for a League Two play-off place.
The Congolese forward continued his fine run of form by netting his side’s third goal in the 65th minute, marking his fifth goal in just four appearances.
Tshimanga’s clinical finish underlined his growing importance to a Swindon team that, only weeks ago, was staring nervously at the relegation zone.
Victory at Blundell Park on matchday 43 was Swindon’s fourth consecutive win, a run that has not only lifted the squad out of danger but propelled them into contention for a late charge towards the play-offs.
With just three fixtures remaining, the Robins now find themselves 12th in the table on 60 points—only six points adrift of the seventh and final promotion play-off spot.
The transformation in Swindon’s fortunes has been dramatic. Less than a month ago, the club appeared destined for another season of mid-table obscurity at best, or worse, a relegation scrap.
However, the recent turnaround, inspired by a collective surge in form and Tshimanga’s consistency in front of goal, has reignited hope among fans and players alike.
Tshimanga’s impact has been especially significant. His goal against Grimsby not only capped another confident performance but also extended a personal scoring streak that has been pivotal in Swindon’s recent run.
The 26-year-old’s presence in the final third has provided a much-needed edge, with his movement, strength, and finishing proving too much for opposition defences.
The emphatic result also served as a statement of intent, with Swindon dismantling a Grimsby side that had little response to the visitors’ attacking dominance.
The momentum gained from this result could prove vital in the final stretch of the season.
Next up for Swindon is a potentially decisive clash with Bromley, scheduled for Monday, 21 April. The fixture pits them against a direct rival, with Bromley boasting the attacking talents of Nicke Kabamba and Brooklyn Ilunga.
A win would not only close the gap further but apply significant pressure on those currently occupying the play-off positions.
With promotion hopes now more than a distant dream, Swindon Town’s closing fixtures have taken on a new level of significance.
The shift in mentality—from survival mode to promotion push—has been mirrored on the pitch, where belief and cohesion appear to be peaking at the right moment.
Kabongo Tshimanga remains at the heart of that resurgence. His consistency and leadership up front have not only revived Swindon’s campaign but given their supporters reason to believe in a dramatic end to the season.
As the final chapter unfolds, the Congolese striker’s goals could prove to be the key to an extraordinary turnaround.
