TOWN OPINION: Swindon did more than enough to win

YEOVIL 2

By Peter Mitchell

This was yet another game where Swindon did more than enough to win – ought to have won – but ended up with a single point.

Town gave a first start to local Wootton Bassett lad, Scott Twine. He replaced the injured Kellan Gordon and was preferred to Keshi Anderson.

In the sixth-minute Twine almost got off to a dream start when he headed narrowly wide from Matt Taylor’s cross. Swindon began brightly and were creating some good moves with lots of slick passing. Kaiyne Woolery was looking sharp and and finding those good positions that he failed to find on Saturday.

In the tenth minute his speed on the left prised apart the visitors’ defence and Taylor, in a striker’s position for a change, fired home the opener.

After 22 minutes a great ball from Kyle Knoyle gave Twine another opportunity for a debut goal.

Swindon were well on top, although Stuart Moore was well positioned to make a good save from a vicious drive from Lewis Wing just before the interval.

Credit to Yeovil, although having little to play for, they came out for the second half in a very positive mood. Swindon were quickly on the back foot and seemed to lose the momentum they had shown in the first half.

However, after a great mazy run down the left from Woolery just after the hour the ball came to Taylor, but he couldn’t find that vital opening.

Unfortunately Swindon lost Olly Lancashire to injury half an hour from the end, and replacement Ryan McGivern just wasn’t so dominant or impressive in the air. Once again Town were playing far too deep and inviting the visitors forward.

It was no real surprise five minutes later when Ling shot home from range with the Town defence backing off.

Four minutes later it was Taylor again who restored Town’s lead. This time his shot from the edge of the area was deflected past substitute keeper Jonny Maddison.

A couple of minutes from the end Twine received a deserved standing ovation when he was replaced by Timi Elsnik.

With only a minute to go Town’s defence succumbed once more and, after a neat headed flick, Alex Fisher equalised for the Glovers.

Both teams pressed forward in equal measure during injury time but the stalemate remained unbroken.

Afterwards manager Phil Brown was effusive in his praise for the youngster Twine and said he showed more promise and positive attitude than almost any teenager he had worked with. Hopefully we have witnessed the start of a promising career.

Town have taken just three miserly points from their last four home games. I believe their only realistic chance now is if the other teams above them open the door. Although only one point away from the last play-off place, they have now used up their surplus home games, and both Coventry and Lincoln, who occupy the last two places, have games in hand on Swindon. Certainly, Mansfield are making no real headway either, and Coventry’s current form is so erratic that anything could still happen – but we have to start winning!