DONCASTER manager Dean Saunders believes Swindon Town are still among the favourites for promotion after seeing his side grind out a draw in the two teams’ League One clash on Saturday.

Danny Hollands’ own goal gifted Donny a point at the County Ground after Matt Ritchie handed Swindon an early lead, and the Robins were by far the better side for much of the match.

However, Doncaster hung on to retain second place in the table and after the game Saunders revealed his lofty expectations of Town this term.

“We’re seven points clear of Swindon, and we’ve kept that up. It’s a great point to get here, they're probably favourites for promotion,” he said.

“We got battered at times but we’ve dug in and once again we’ve come away with a draw, when really we weren’t anywhere near our best.

“We gave too many fouls away and lost the ball too many times. Fair play to Swindon, they put lots and lots of balls in our box.

“My defenders were outstanding, always heading the ball away – and the bar got us out of trouble, and Gary Woods played well – that’s the most he’s had to do this season. The fans were singing his name – that’s the first time in a while that’s happened – so that’s a good sign.

“We’ve got to be stronger – some of the things we were doing out there were too flimsy at times.

“We couldn’t keep the ball up the pitch in the second half, but it was one of those games where I thought we might nick it.

Billy Paynter had a family bereavement – he’s our main goalscorer so it was a blow to lose him. Coming up against his old club, that might have made a difference for us.

“We’ve got lots of work to do, but we’re getting results on organisation.”