ON-THE-WHISTLE MATCH REPORT: Swindon 1-3 Northampton

Swindon Town fell to their fourth defeat in five matches, despite Sean Murray's first goal since returning from a foot injury.

Harry Beatyman put Northampton infront early on, Murray levelled the scores in the second half, but late goals from John-Joe O'Toole and Kenji Gorre meant that the Cobblers left the County Ground with all three points.

Beautyman, who was on Swindon's radar for much of the summer until he signed for Northampton in mid-July following his release from Peterborough, stabbed the away side into a 1-0 lead after just seven minutes.

Paul Anderson jinked and jived his way down Town's left-hand side, turning former Northampton loanee Darnell Furlong inside out before he teed up Beautyman who had the simple task of prodding into a gaping goal.

Murray, a half-time substitute for Lloyd Jones, curled Swindon level in the 66th minute after Furlong's pass, but Town were level for barely 10 minutes.

O'Toole restored the visitors' lead in minute 77 when he rose highest from a corner and Northampton settled the match four minutes later when Kenji Gorre was left with all the time in the world to convert a low cross from the right-hand side.

Despite the worst possible start, Swindon dominated the first half and everyone in the ground was staggered they failed to tie the game up when a grand total of four shots were blocked in a frenzy of efforts midway through the opening period.

Johnny Goddard was put through on goal by Furlong, but the ex-Woking midfielder was denied by Northampton keeper Adam Smith. 

The rebound fell to Conor Thomas who had a shot blocked by a defender. It was then Jon Obika's turn to be scuppered by Smith and, finally, Goddard had another go but he, too, was kept out and Northampton's clean sheet was somehow still intact. 

Even captain Nathan Thompson, who has just two career goals, had two pot shots from range, but was unsuccesful both times and therefore came away without being on the scoresheet for a third time on his 150th start for his boyhood club. He was also awarded Man of the Match by sponsors, albeit belatedly. 

The second half started brightly for Swindon, who dominated possession but failed to convert their passing into shots and, ultimately, goals, until Murray's finish, but in the end were punished on the counter-attack as they pushed for what would have been the winner.

Town now travel to Shrewsbury on Saturday as they look to end a barren run of form.