Swindon hold firm to outstage favourites

Town used a solid result at the weekend to build upon in this mid week clash against promotion favourites Southampton.

The bumper crowd packed into the County Ground to witness a high action and at times frantic game but the majority left happy as Swindon recorded their first win and first goal of the league campaign.

The opening 8 minutes were very much end to end as both sides struggled to get a grip on the game until Sean Morrison`s goal on 9 minutes.

After good play from Anthony McNamee forced a corner that Jon Paul McGovern swung in to find Morrison unmarked, who buried his header into the top corner from 8 yards out.

Town nearly doubled their lead only for Billy Paynter`s diving header was brilliantly saved by Kelvin Davis, who had an outstanding evening or the Saints.

Southampton`s only chance of the half came after Morrison`s poor backpass found its way to Ricky Lambert only for his weak chip to be saved by David Lucas.

The second half was a much more open affair than the first with each side creating chances but ultimately both defences were up to the test. Southampton created the first chance of the half after a long ball found almost caught Town`s impressive defence napping but Skipper Greer did just enough to put Patterson off his shot.

Patterson was involved soon afterwards in a two footed challenge on Jean Francois but the referee was lenient on the young forward and only produced a yellow.

Davis pulled off more magnificent saves from Paynter, Douglas and McGovern as Town dominated from set pieces. The overall team play tonight was a joy to behold and in particular, Douglas` class shone through tonight as he picked up the Man of the Match award.

The game ended in a nervy fashion as Southampton piled men forward in search of an equalizer, but Town held firm to claim their well deserved victory.