Swindon Town secured a valuable point with a goalless draw away at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The result at The Memorial Stadium maintains the Robins' position in 15th place in League Two, where they have 15 points from 12 matches, a record of four wins, three draws and five losses. They have scored 13 goals and conceded 16, leaving them with a goal difference of minus three.
Ian Holloway's side were forced to defend for large periods, with goalkeeper Ripley making eight saves to preserve the clean sheet. Bristol Rovers dominated possession with 58% and fired 22 shots, but Swindon's defensive resolve held firm. Kaelan Majekodunmi and Dan Butler both received late yellow cards in a physical second half.
Holloway demands more cutting edge
The manager acknowledged the defensive effort but called for greater threat in attack. "We need to be more clinical," said Ian Holloway after the match. His team managed only three shots on target from nine attempts, with an expected goals figure of 1.83.
The draw extends Swindon's recent form to one win, two draws and two losses in their last five outings, a sequence that includes a draw with Walsall and defeats to Crewe and Rochdale. It follows a 3-1 victory over Barnet last Tuesday, where Aaron Drinan scored twice. Drinan is the club's top scorer this season with 22 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Swindon now sit ten points behind league leaders Salford City. They will look to build on this point when they return to the County Ground next Saturday to face Rotherham United, who are currently 22nd. The Robins have conceded 16 goals this season, so another solid defensive performance will be the target. Their next fixture is at home to Rotherham on Saturday 31 October.
