SWINDON TOWN took their winning run to five games in all competitions and booked a place in the knockout stages of the Checkatrade Trophy with a 4-2 win at Bristol Rovers on Wednesday night.

And they did so in the winner-goes-through tie despite having to play the last 20 minutes with just 10 men after third substitute Donal McDermott had to leave the field injured soon after coming off the bench.

The impressive John Goddard gave Swindon an early lead at the Memorial Stadium from the penalty spot, having earlier hit the bar, but that was cancelled out by a Ryan Sweeney header.

Goals from Paul Mullin and Kellan Gordon either side of half-time put Town back in control before the late drama unfolded.

Rovers immediately made their extra man count when Liam Sercombe pulled it back to 3-2 before Kaiyne Woolery eased Town's nerves with the fourth goal in the 88th minute.

Town boss Dave Flitcroft said: “It is a fantastic result. Again, it keeps galvanising spirit. It takes a lot more than being a good set of players to win football matches, it takes character, it takes resilience, and it takes a togetherness."

The draw for the second round of the Checkatrade Trophy will take place at Wembley ahead of the England v Germany international friendly on Friday.