DECEMBER has to be one of my favourite times of the year as it’s full of many great traditions - the biggest being celebrating Christmas.

But there is one tradition in this month that, as a Swindon fan, I’m tired of witnessing year after year.

That is Town’s consistent failure of making it out of December still competing in any cup competitions.

This week David Flitcroft’s side were knocked out of both the FA Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.

Despite showing some fight in drawing level after being 2-0 down on Saturday, Town never looked capable of winning the game and was outclassed by mediocre League Two side Stevenage in the second round of the FA Cup.

After results like Saturday and Tuesday’s Checkatrade Trophy reverse at home to Forest Green Rovers, it’s annoying when somebody utters: “At least we can concentrate on the league.’’ It’s nonsense - especially for a club like Swindon.

Promotion from League Two is vital this season, but a decent run in the FA Cup was needed to renew interest surrounding the club and enjoy some escapism from playing in the basement of the Football League.

But yet another year goes by with more cup disappointment.

It’s important Swindon quickly put this week behind them, as December could play a vital role in how the League Two table shapes up.

Town play the top three in the division this month, with two of those games at the County Ground.

This Saturday Swindon travel up the country to face Accrington Stanley in a important game for both sides.

Stanley currently have something we desperately want in Wiltshire - one of the top three spots in League Two.

After a visit from Colchester next Friday and travelling to Crewe on December 23, Town host the first and second-placed side in the table - Luton Town on Boxing Day and Notts County on December 30, both season-defining fixtures.