It wasn’t until the last 60 minutes that we saw why Mansfield are held in much higher regard than their league position suggests. Until then Swindon had totally dominated the match and created a number of good chances in a game that eventually finished 1-1, writes Peter Mitchell.

Paul Caddis, making his first start for Swindon for seven years, slotted in seamlessly and in the first 10 minutes created two glorious chances and almost scored when his cross shot came back off the inside of the post. Going forward he was at his best and seemed to have lost nothing during his absence.

On 23 minutes it was that man again who made the difference. The stadium announcer must be finding it monotonous announcing Eoin Doyle’s name for almost every goal, but we can put up with that for a bit longer. This time he stroked home Kaiyne Woolery’s pass to give Swindon the lead their play deserved. He has now scored in seven consecutive league games.

In the last 10 minutes before the break Town’s defence got a bit sloppy and Mansfield could easily have gone in level.

For the last half-hour, with Mansfield now dominant, Swindon sacrificed midfielder Doughty to bring on an extra central defender. Full credit to Tom Broadbent, who I didn’t expect to see again in a first team shirt, as he did really well to impose his aerial presence on his defence.

Mansfield came very close on several occasions and Town were relying on a few breakaways to relieve the pressure. They were hanging on towards the end - kicking it anywhere - and even manager Ritchie Wellens was looking nervous when he admonished, in a friendly way, a home supporter for returning the ball too quickly - indicating that he should have retained it inside his coat!

The team now has a break until December 7 when they make the long trip to Grimsby. By then at least one of their injured playmakers could be back. There is no doubt that with the signings of Caddis and Dion Donohue, they have ample strength in depth.

Swindon will be hoping for a draw on Tuesday night when Forest Green Rovers and Crewe face each other in their match in hand. Anything but a draw will see the Town replaced at the top.