Swindon 0 Cheltenham 3

Last updated : 12 March 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Cheltenham Town manager Bobby Gould saluted his players after seeing them move off the bottom of the second division with a convincing win at the County Ground against a disappointing Swindon side.

First-half goals from Martin Devaney and John Brough put Gould's team in control at half time and on their way to only their eighth league win of the season.

Swindon wasted two good chances to get themselves back into the game after the interval before defender Jon Beswetherick was sent off for a professional foul on Devaney in the 83rd minute and substitute Damian Spencer added a stunning third goal in injury time.

Devaney put Cheltenham on their way to their first away win since October when he took advantage of a piece of good fortune to open the scoring in the 31st minute.

The midfielder looked to be in an offside position as he reacted to a pass from captain Mark Yates, but the referee waved play on and Devaney calmly finished past oncoming goalkeeper Bart Griemink.

Brough added a second eight minutes later when he diverted Yates' shot into the bottom left-hand corner giving Griemink no chance and Swindon rarely threatened despite enjoying large portions of the play in the second half.

Captain Andy Gurney headed over from eight yards when unchallenged while defender Alan Reeves blazed over the crossbar from just four yards out when it seemed harder to miss.

But Swindon were reduced to ten men seven minutes from time when Beswetherick was dismissed for a professional foul on Devaney and Spencer ensured it was a night to remember for Cheltenham when he added a third late on.

Griemink could only stand and watch from his line as the substitute let fly from 35 yards with a fierce shot that flew into the top left-hand corner.