MATCH REPORT: Swindon Town 0-0 Cheltenham Town

SWINDON TOWN failed to put on a winning display in their final home match of the year as they saw out a goalless draw against local rivals Cheltenham Town. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report from the County Ground.

A derby game for Swindon’s last home match of 2018 ought to have made for a gripping and entertaining opening at The County Ground. But unfortunately, it was anything but that. 

Wayward passing and scuffed shots made for sloppy play from both sets of players as each side contested to win possession but lacked in quality. 

Eager to get back to winning ways following last weekends 2-1 away defeat to Grimsby, Richie Wellens would’ve been expecting an attacking display against a Cheltenham side nine points worse off in the league standings. 

But a lack of creativity combined with few clear-cut chances made for an unentertaining first half. 

Ellis Iandolo should’ve put Town ahead in the 2nd minute when the ball dropped to him in the box following a Swindon corner but the left-back couldn’t react quick enough. 

Sensing their opportunity, Cheltenham started to take control of the match as Swindon struggled to find a foothold with chances few and far between for the hosts. 

Alex Addai caused problems for Town’s defence throughout the entirety of the first half using his pace and strength to work his way into dangerous positions. 

Whilst former Swindon loanee Chris Hussey frequently found space on the left wing to whip dangerous balls into Town’s box albeit with no end result.

Cheltenham dominant throughout created their best chance in the 32nd minute when a low corner found Ben Tozer inside the Swindon box but he couldn’t get a shot away as Town scrambled clear. 

Half-time couldn’t come quick enough for Swindon as both sides went in level at the halfway stage having failed to impress in a match that was expected to be full of entertaining football but offered little to admire. 

Having been given a stern team talk at the interval, Swindon came out looking a different side in the opening minutes of the second half. 

Boyle wrestled Elijah Adebayo to the ground in the 46th minute as Taylor’s resulting free-kick was well saved by Flinders diving to his right. 

Before Iandolo tried his luck from range in the 51st minute hitting the ball on the half volley only for his shot to sail high into the Town End. 

For all of their dominance in the first half, Cheltenham looked short of ideas in the second as the visitors failed to create chances. 

Having been one of Town’s better players throughout the match, James Dunne was lucky to stay on the pitch after he clattered into Varney in the 54th minute and a brawl ensued. But with only a yellow being shown, Swindon remained in control.

Adebayo racing down the right byline in the 61st minute cut the ball back for Dunne who’ shot went into the side-netting to deny Swindon an opening goal. 

But despite controlling the game, quality in the final third was still lacking. 

With the game entering its closing moments, Swindon stayed on top whilst Cheltenham sat back looking to defend for a point. 

Vigouroux pulled off an outstanding save from a sliced clearance by Dunne to keep the match level in the 72nd minute, as Luke Woolfenden had the chance to win the game in the 80th minute. 

A corner into the box found Woolfenden who turned with the ball but could only strike over the goal of Flinders. 

Adebayo’s close-range shot in the 90th minute nearly won Swindon the game only for a last-ditch block by Boyle to keep the match level as both sides left the County Ground frustrated and with a single league point to their name.