23 March 2021

Swindon grab vital win at Bristol Rovers

23 March 2021

Jack Payne was the match-winner as Swindon edged out fellow League One strugglers Bristol Rovers for a precious 1-0 win at the Memorial Stadium.

The visitors won a scrappy West country derby on 71 minutes when a Scott Twine free-kick rebounded off the defensive wall and Payne picked up the loose ball to drive into the box and fire home from 12 yards.

A late Lee Camp save from Jonah Ayunga sealed a result which took Swindon three points clear of Joey Barton’s Rovers, who drop into the relegation zone.

The hosts thought they had taken a 50th-minute lead when half-time substitute Zain Westbrooke fired in low from the edge of the box. But after consulting a linesman referee Andy Woolmer ruled offside against a team-mate.

Neither goalkeeper had been required to make a save in a desperately poor first half dominated by both defences.

Brandon Hanlan shot narrowly wide for Rovers after the break but they could have no complaints, having created few clear openings.

The best videos delivered daily

Watch the stories that matter, right from your inbox