Swindon secure West Country derby bragging rights with win at Cheltenham

Second-half goals from Aaron Drinan and Filozofe Mabete sealed a 2-0 West Country derby win for Swindon at Cheltenham.

Cheltenham had secured bragging rights at the County Ground three weeks ago thanks to Ethon Archer’s stunning strike, but Ian Holloway’s men exacted revenge in front of 1,054 travelling fans.

The first half was cagey, with only one clear chance for each side, with Tom Nichols firing wide for Swindon from a good position in the 23rd minute.

Luke Young’s effort after Jake Bickerstaff’s pass was also off-target for Cheltenham six minutes later.

The deadline was broken in the 57th minute when Finley Munroe’s corner was punched by goalkeeper Joe Day to Joel McGregor, whose header crashed against the underside of the bar.

Drinan reacted quickest to nod in the rebound from close range for his 18th goal of the season.

The Irishman forced Day into a parry five minutes later, before Jordan Thomas sent a low attempt wide for Cheltenham.

Swindon made sure of the points when half-time substitute Mabete tucked Munroe’s corner from the left in at the far post in the 75th minute.