Town’s Development side were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in the Central League after being held to a 2-2 draw by Cheltenham Town earlier today.
Tom Smith gave the Reds an early lead with a classy finish and Jack Stanley added another on the stroke of half-time to put his side firmly in the driving seat.
But Cheltenham refused to lie down and they rescued a point thanks to two goals in a matter of minutes at the end of the game.
Town fielded a strong team with the likes of Conor Thomas, Sean Murray and Nathan Delfouneso all getting a run out.
However, it was Cheltenham who carved out the game’s first opportunity as Amari Morgan-Smith forced Will Henry into action, before the latter pulled off a superb stop minutes later to keep the scores level.
And Town punished their visitors for those misses with Tom Smith galloping down the flank before cutting in and unleashing a powerful drive into the far corner.
Delfouneso then thudded wide before being denied by the Cheltenham keeper, and Murray also tried his luck but could only send an effort off-target.
But Town did double their advantage just before the interval courtesy of Jack Stanley, who latched onto Conor Thomas’ pinpoint pass before slotting home beautifully.
Chances were few and far between in a scrappy second-half with little between the two sides.
Scott Twine hooked a shot over the bar before Cheltenham did pull one back through Koby Arthur, who reacted quickest to tuck home the rebound after Morgan-Smith’s shot cannoned back off the post.
And the visitors hauled themselves level moments later courtesy of Morgan-Smith, who beat Henry from close-range to ensure the game finished honours even.
*Picture courtesy of the Swindon Advertiser.
