SWINDON TOWN'S endeavour and pressure eventually paid off as they took all three points in the local derby at Forest Green Rovers, which temporarily moved them up to fourth in the League Two table, writes Peter Mitchell.

Town made one change for their shortest journey of the season on Friday night, with Chris Robertson replacing Dion Conroy in the middle of defence.

Unfortunately it seems that even though promising ex-Chelsea youngster Conroy managed to limp off the pitch last Saturday he has suffered a serious cruciate injury and will be out for perhaps nine months.

Former Town players Drissa Traore and Will Randall featured in the Rovers line-up.

Despite TV coverage a crowd of over 3,000 turned up and I suspect more than a few Forest Green fans would have had slightly divided loyalties.

In the 12th minute the first chance fell for Swindon but Luke Norris, unmarked from a Chris Hussey corner, had his shot from six yards blocked.

Both defences were largely untroubled with neither attack producing much in the way of opportunities, although the referee ignored two strong penalty shouts for Town.

For a local derby the first half was mundane in more ways than one; considering the food on offer, it lacked any meaty substance or bite.

The second half turned out to be even scrappier and you felt it needed some sort of sub-plot from the pen of local authoress (and apparent Rovers fan) Jilly Cooper to liven things up.

In the 50th minute Timi Elsnick opened up the home defence and Norris found himself with just Collins to beat. Considering his form this season you would have backed Norris heavily to put Swindon one up, but he finished tamely and Collins stood up well.

In the 57th minute Chris Robertson didn't seem to have a clue – a la Stevenage – as to how to stop a promising Forest Green attack, but Liam Noble's resulting free kick from the edge of Town's area was wasted.

On 76 minutes Matt Taylor came on for Chris Hussey who appeared to suffer a muscular injury after firing a free kick over the Rovers' bar. Then on 80 minutes a tactical switch saw Harry Smith replace Norris, which must have been a disappointment for Town's leading scorer. Just before he had failed to convert a third great opportunity.

Just when it looked like being a case of two points dropped, captain and man of the match Olly Lancashire chested home a whipped-in Taylor corner in the 85th minute after stealing in at the back post.

Frankly it was no more than Swindon deserved but Forest Green will be disappointed with the manner of their defending.

In the first minute of injury time veteran substitute Taylor sealed all three points for the Town when he hit a rather speculative shot under Collins' body.

I fear it's going to be a long and difficult season for the home side and that goalkeeper Bradley Collins will easily be the busiest man in the squad.

The league's newcomers seem to lack force and creativity in midfield which will inevitably lead to constant pressure on their defence.

Their main striker Christian Doidge was almost invisible and will need better support for him to thrive up front.

So not a great game by any means but three more important points on the road for the Town.

There is no doubt that Conroy will be badly missed and we can only hope that the Town will add further cover to the centre of defence.