MATT GLENNON went from goal saver to goal maker to help Town put Swindon to the sword.
This victory will be remembered by visiting fans for spectacular strikes by Gary Roberts and Michael Flynn.
But make no mistake – Glennon’s contribution was just as crucial.
Not only did the 30-year-old pull off a 26th-minute penalty save to prevent Simon Cox cancelling out Liam Dickinson’s sixth-minute opener.
But spotting so many Swindon players out of position, the quick-thinking keeper then launched a mighty downfield punt which bounced perfectly for Roberts to lash home a left-footed fifth goal of the season which left the home side shattered.
Under-pressure Maurice Malpas’s side went into this game trying to avoid a fourth successive home defeat in League I and a fifth in all competitions.
An 11th goal of the season for former Reading man Cox after Andy Butler ended Michael Timlin’s darting run into the penalty area would have provided a timely tonic.
But instead of being level at 1-1, Swindon found themselves two down – and a stream of home supporters in a 7,071 County Ground crowd headed for the exits as the remainder vented their frustration at Malpas.
There was only enjoyment for the travelling faithful, who were treated to Town’s slickest display under Stan Ternent, and could have had far more than three goals to enjoy.
Ternent’s team, with Roberts making the most of the rescinding of his Johnstone’s Paint Trophy red card at Darlington and Ian Craney a surprise inclusion after passing a late fitness test after a hamstring injury, looked sharp from the off.
And it didn’t take long for them to exploit a Swindon defence who looked as if they’d only met on the morning of the match.
Roberts rolled a corner to right-back Jim Goodwin, and on receiving the ball back, flighted in a cross which Butler nodded down for on-loan Derby striker Dickinson to apply the finishing touch with the outside of his right boot.
With Championship teams not in action, Rams boss Paul Jewell was looking on, and must have been impressed with the way the on-loan 22-year-old collected his fourth goal in Town colours.
Hopefully he’ll allow his player to remain at the Galpharm for a while yet, because Dickinson once again spearheaded Town’s 4-3-3 system intelligently.
While Craney shot inches wide on the turn in the 34th minute, Dickinson could have had a second a minute later, only for Czech keeper Peter Brezovan to smother as he burst through one-on-one.
Then, with the goal gaping in first-half stoppage time, Danny Cadamarteri was unable to connect with a tempting Craney cross.
While Glennon saved from Lee Peacock’s header, Cox’s follow-up shot and Sean Morrison’s low drive before his penalty heroics, Swindon struggled to find the target with other attacks in the opening 45.
But they made a better fist of the second period, with Nathan Clarke, Butler and Joe Skarz all making crucial blocks and the impressive Anthony McNamee curling a 67th-minute shot just wide before first fellow substitute Barry Corr, then Peacock, wasted close-range headers.
Swindon finally made a breakthrough a minute from time when Peacock nodded down McNamee’s cross for skipper Craig Easton to drill the ball home.
But the goal was of consolation value only since Flynn had fired Town’s third in the 68th minute.
Roberts picked out substitute Phil Jevons who in turn teed up Craney.
Frustrated when he shot wide from a good position in the 49th minute, then had a fierce effort saved in the 58th, this drive looked a certain goal until Jack Smith cleared off the line.
Swindon were relieved – until Morrison’s follow-up header fell just right for Flynn, who volleyed his fourth Town goal in real style.
