WITH only minutes left of the match, Swindon grabbed two late goals to return from Swansea with a great away win.

A strong Swindon squad made the trip down to South Wales, with league debuts for Thomas Hunt, Steve Dixon and Matthew Wilcox.

Despite creating several good opportunities in the first half, the visitors failed to grab a goal, and only a spark of brilliance from Lewis Dyerm defending a penalty cornerm stopped Swansea from taking the lead as the two teams went in at the break goalless.

The second half saw the Swindon boys step it up a gear and create some glorious chances, hitting the post twice in quick succession.

With less than five minutes to go, Swindon’s patience won out as they scored a lovely team goal, finished off at the second time of asking by debutant Wilcox.

A couple of minutes later, Henry Cheney finished well, sliding the ball under the advancing keeper on the reverse.

Swindon managed to hold out in the final minutes, with Swansea desperate to grab a goal, and some stretched defending by the visitors just kept the hosts at bay. but and all in all, it was a well-deserved win and a strong start despite a potentially tricky fixture.

Next Saturday, Swindon’s first XI face Newent at home (12.30pm start).

Swindon ladies started their league campaign with a well-earned 2-1 win over City Of Bath.

Swindon took time to settle into their patterns of play and the opening exchanges were even.

As Swindon began to compose their grip on the game, their efforts were rewarded with their first goal.

Some excellent attacking work from Adriana Boullosa ended with a pinpoint pass to Hannah Lewis, who scored from close range on her league debut.

Swindon extended their lead after 27 minutes when a strong run by Gemma Scrase ended with a spectacular rocket shot that flew past the Bath goalkeeper. The second half was an even affair, with Bath causing Swindon problems. Several penalty corners were well-saved by the returning goalkeeper Sarah Newman but a lapse of concentration by her defence allowed Bath a consolation goal in the last minute.

After the game, Scrase said: “Bath made us work hard for the win, but we stuck to our task. We have high hopes for the year and it was pleasing to start with a good win.”