Football

Borland has swelling in his knee, and will not be risked against the Magpies. He is likely to be replaced in the Swindon Town side by Ollie Clarke, who is eligible after suspension.

There remains room in the budget for further additions, with some wage commitments cleared by the departure of Ryan Delaney, and Finley Munroe’s return to Aston Villa and subsequent sale to Middlesbrough.

ANALYSIS: It was hard to escape the sense of frustration and disappointment at the end of the match. From financial, morale and sporting points of view, this loss hits hard.

That a player of the clout and popularity of Finley Munroe can leave without the season immediately being plunged into peril is a very different aura for Swindon Town.

EXCLUSIVE: There was interest from the National League, but Delaney was keen to continue to test himself in the EFL. He leaves after playing 29 times for the Robins, scoring once.

From a sporting perspective, the reward for the Town players is obvious – the chance to share a pitch with Erling Haaland and the rest. From a financial perspective, the reward is just as significant.

EXCLUSIVE: The Moonraker reported last week that a trio of teams had showed an interest in signing the Irishman. Now it can be confirmed that a deal has been put to Delaney from a club in Swindon’s division.

Murphy only made five appearances for Swindon, and racked up just 77 League Two minutes, as a combination of injuries and Ireland under-21 international duty kepy him away from the first-team picture.