WITH Swindon Town it is definitely a case of one foot forward, one foot back at the moment, writes Peter Mitchell.

Tuesday's rivals Coventry were always going to be a tougher proposition than Friday's opponents, Forest Green.

The Sky Blues came to the County Ground after ending Exeter's unbeaten run on Saturday and they gave Town a torrid time for the first 10 minutes, with Vigouroux forced to make two vital early saves.

Jodi Jones was looking particularly dangerous whenever he had the ball.

On 19 minutes Keshi Anderson went on a mazy run through the City defence and when the ball found its way to Luke Norris he volleyed in a superb goal.

One goal was never going to be enough against Coventry, though, and their equaliser came 13 minutes later from Doyle. A messy goal given away too easily.

Yet again we witnessed a lame set of officials who should probably have awarded four penalties – two for each side.

James Dunne was given his marching orders after 72 minutes for retaliation, but whatever the circumstances he should not have walked off alone.

Up to this point he was having a fine game; his indiscipline will now cost Swindon dear as he misses the next three games.

Five minutes later it was no real surprise to see Duckens Nazon give City the lead with a fine curling shot. Once again Town's defence had given the visiting attack far too much space.

McDermott, Linganzi and Harry Smith were all brought into the fray for the last half-hour and in the latter stages 10-man Town did well, going close on several occasions.

Unlike Friday's sterile affair no one could say this encounter lacked bite or incident.

Town have plenty of potency up front but the jury is out on their defence, which is one-paced.

Despite their superb away form, Swindon have now conceded 11 goals in their last four home games and claimed just three points. Maybe this lack of consistency is proving too much for many supporters as a disappointing crowd of only 6,300, including a healthy away support, watched the match.

Swindon have at least been pro-active of late in terms of recruitment.

On Monday they picked up out-of-contract Matt Preston as an additional central defender for the rest of the season to cover for long-term-injured Dion Conroy.

Preston, 22, had been with Walsall for the past couple of years and made 50 first team appearances.