Swindon Town were made to fight all the way for a point against Exeter City as tonight's match ended 1-1 after Matt Taylor's 93rd minute own goal gifted a point to the Robins, writes Adrian Smith.
James Dunne had given the Grecians a first half lead after finding himself in plenty of space on the edge of the area and the visitors then continually stifled Town's forwards by packing their defence.
However an own goal deep in added time earned Swindon what could turn out to be a valuable point in their promotion hunt and Exeter extend their unbeaten run to nine games.
The first half saw Swindon's players remarkably shot shy in front of the Sky TV cameras after having most of the possession although Danny Ward was denied by the post from close range in the 7th minute.
Billy Paynter also tested the keeper with a rasping shot which was parried before the ball was hoofed to safety.
Exeter were showing little in attack and were happy to pack their defence when any Town forward got near goal and the visitors were happy to soak up the pressure.
Swindon had easily the lion's share of possession but seemed reluctant to shoot when near goal. The home fans grew restless as the half wore on and their concerns grew worse when James Dunne fired home from the edge of the area in the 41st minute.
The Exeter keeper Paul Jones kept his side in the match when he parried Danny Ward's powerful shot and also a header by Douglas late in the half.
The second half was a much more exciting affair with Swindon penning Exeter back for long periods with plenty of attacking play.
Billy Paynter skimmed the crossbar with a powerful header early in the half before Kevin Amankwaah's introduction saw more penetration down the right wing for the Robins.
Simon Ferry was denied by a superb goalline header by Matt Taylor after his vicious effort looked a certain goal and the visitors dogged defence continued to have the upper hand.
Alan Sheehan wasted a good chance from a free-kick in a central position when he sent the ball over the crossbar.
Simon Ferry went close again for Town but fired wide under no pressure although Billy Paynter did everything right before unleashing a powerful shot which the keeper did well to parry.
Paynter tested the keeper's reflexes as the match neared the end of the second half with a rasping shot and Charlie Austin scuffed another chance wide from close range.
The fourth official indicated that five minutes of added time would be played and Swindon then snatched their point in the 93rd minute after being roared on by the County Ground faithful in the crowd of 8753.
The own goal occurred after a powerful low cross by McGovern pinged about in the penalty area before the ball hit Pericard and ricocheted into the net off Matt Taylor to send the Robins fans into delirium.
