Swindon Hit the Spot
Swindon registered their first victory over Chesterfield in eight years after edging a scrappy Saturday affair at The County Ground.
Kabongo Tshimanga’s second half penalty ensured Town returned to winning ways as they moved up into 15th.
Following the conclusion of a six-league game unbeaten run, Swindon were searching to get back on track after a one goal defeat at Harrogate. Their visitors, Chesterfield, also arrived at SN1 off the back of a defeat, losing last time out to league leaders Walsall.
Seven places separated the sides, but there were just four points making up the difference. Town made four changes to the team which lost in Yorkshire, with Clarke, Freckleton, McGregor and Tshimanga all starting.
An uneventful opening soon sparked into life with Swindon manager Ian Holloway seeing red after just 10 minutes. Town’s manager was sent to the stands following protests regarding a coming together between Harry Smith and Chesterfield captain Jamie Grimes.
Just when the game was threatening to burst into life, an injury to Tyrone Williams sparked a lengthy delay, with the defender stretchered off. Following the resumption of the contest, Harry Smith registered the first notable effort of the match when he called Ryan Boot into a low save from range.
A scrappy and gritty match would slowly wind its way towards half time with the only highlight seeing Dylan Duffy test Ripley with a low free kick prior to the break.
The second half started with Swindon going the closest, as an unmarked Miguel Freckleton flashed a header past the post following a corner. Then from another corner Harry Smith missed a complete sitter when he closed in and headed wide from point blank range.
It would not matter as Swindon took the lead on the hour mark courtesy of a penalty. Kabongo Tshimanga won it after he snatched the ball from Boot only to be brought down by the goalkeeper. And it was Tshimanga who took on the responsibility as he kept his cool to send Boot the wrong way and fire Town into the lead.
Surprisingly, very little drama would follow. Neither team was able to exert any pressure as the fouls and stoppages continued to make for dire viewing. Seven minutes of injury time would be calmly negotiated by Town to earn their first home win of the month.
As you can probably tell by the brief report, there was very little to write home about, with both sides sharing just two shots on target. Nonetheless, through doing the right things at the right times, Swindon were able to edge it. Next up for Town is a trip to table-topping Walsall.
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