Rare Robins Win Restores Some Pride

A fine first half performance ensured Swindon at least ended a disappointing season on a high note as goals from Lecsinel Jean-Francois and Michael Timlin sealed a 2-0 victory over Tranmere at Prenton Park.

With both teams' respective fates already sealed and nothing but pride to play for between them, the game provided both sides with the perfect opportunity to begin preparation for next season's campaign's, and Swindon certainly exerted this option, fielding no less than six fringe players at various intervals throughout the match.

Tranmere were out of the blocks the quickest and nearly took a first minute lead when Aaron Cresswell's corner was flicked inventively towards goal by Ash Taylor, who was unlucky to see his effort hit the side netting.

But Town soon got into their stride, and were in front with their first attack of the match after 13 minutes through Lescinel Jean-Francois. A Michael Rose corner found Scott Cuthbert at the back post, who's instinctive decision to head the ball back across goal allowed the Haitian defender Lescinell to sweep the ball home.

The hosts should have been back on level terms just minutes later as Phil Smith pamled a Lucas Akins effort straight into the path of Tranmere's teen sensation Dale Jennings, who somehow sidefooted wide with the goal at his mercy.

Swindon, however, continued to look bright and could have been two up as first Nathan Thompson's 25-yard drive was too hot to handle for Tony Warner, who parried it into the ground, before the verteran 'keeper recovered well to deny Elliot Benyon's follow up.

It was Town who went close again on 34 minutes, with Billy Bodin inches away from his first Robins goal. The enthusiastic youngster charged down an attempted clearance from Warner, only to loop the bouncing ball over the 'keeper's head and agonisingly wide of the post.

As the half drew to a close, Bodin again went close, turning Taylor brilliantly on the halfway line before aiming a shot just wide of the far post.

The Welsh youngster did, however, play a part in Town's second goal. Collecting the ball on the halfway line, Bodin sent Michael Timlin racing clear with an excellent pass, before the midfielder exchanged a one-two with Paul Caddis and curled a superb 25-yard effort beyond Warner and into the back of the net.

Tranmere started the second half just as they had begun the first, going close to scoring this time with a curling Cresswell free kick beating Smith but not the post.

The hosts continued to enjoy the better of the play as the match progressed, although struggled to create any clear-cut chances. Both sides took their feet off the gas with a quarter of an hour remaining, with neither looking likely to add to the scoreline.

Swindon saw out the remainder of the clash with relative ease, capping a miserable season with the consolation of what was a deserved and comfortable victory.