GOALS in either half secured a 2-1 win for Town at Colchester United. Click here to watch highlights on the official STFC YouTube account.
Nicky Ajose and Dany N’Guessan were both on the scoresheet for Swindon and, despite a late consolation from Magnus Okuonghae, the visitors held on to register all three points.
Manager Mark Cooper made two changes to the starting line-up. Wes Foderingham was restored between the sticks while Ryan Harley came into the heart of midfield. Tyrell Belford and Alex Pritchard, the pair that they had replaced, dropped to the bench.
In an even opening, both sides had half-chances courtesy of Marcus Bean for the hosts and Nicky Ajose for Swindon. Gilbey and Bonne both failed to hit the target for Colchester while Harley’s radar was slightly askew as he drilled an effort in on goal that whistled inches past the post.
Just short of the half-hour, a Swindon foray into the opposition saw Massimo Luongo set his sights from 20 yards. His goal-bound effort was destined for the corner but for the intervention of Sam Walker in the hosts’ goal. Nicky Ajose was closest to the rebound and he buried the loose ball to give Swindon the lead.
Before the half was over, Louis Thompson was forced to clear a header off his own line while Jay McEveley rose highest to meet a corner at the other end but Walker was on hand again to hold on to his header.
The second half was barely two minutes old when Swindon doubled their lead. Ryan Harley nipped away from his man on the edge of the 18-yard box and sent in a low cross towards the far post. Dany N’Guessan sneaked in at the far post to touch home the ball.
Town continued to press forward and N’Guessan went close again, firing over from the edge of the area.
As the clock ticked into the final fifteen minutes, Luongo then had two glorious chances sandwiched in between an effort from Nicky Ajose that was ruled out for offside.
Firstly, with Walker outside his area, his effort from fully 30 yards clattered back off the woodwork. Minutes later, he robbed the defender on the halfway line and bore down on goal before lashing his effort into the side-netting.
Moments later, the hosts gave themselves a way back into the match when Magnus Okuonghae headed home a cross from the right wing.
Substitute Alex Pritchard had two chances to restore Swindon’s two-goal advantage but shot wide on both occasions as Town held on to record all three points.
Swindon Town: Foderingham; Byrne, Hall, Ward (C), McEveley, Kasim, Luongo, Harley, Thompson L, N'Guessan, Ajose
Subs: Belford, Barthram, Pritchard, Elgabas, Jones, Branco, Storey
