LOGIC and football are not natural bedfellows. If any reminder was required of that Swindon Town’s draw with Yeovil Town came at the right time.

Yeovil had lost their last three games and sections of their support were calling for manager Gary Johnson to be removed from his post. Town were third in the league and coming into the match on the back of a long rest.

When many thought the Glovers might be feeling sorry for themselves and roll over, it was they who were the side with more energy and desire in the first half. They pressed Town high and gave their visitors passing play no respect, taking the lead through James Hayter.

Such were Yeovil’s efforts that it was inevitable at some point they would have to slow down. It took nearly 60 minutes but Swindon did find their groove and Andy Williams’ equaliser provided hopes of another come-back win.

A late red card for Nathan Thompson threatened to scupper the visitors renewed efforts.

However, reason’s poor day continued, as the team with 10 looked like they had a man advantage and were more likely getting a winner. Despite a number of attempts they could not do so but might reflect that maintenance of their unbeaten league run is a decent consolation.

The first shock of the day was Jon Obika’s return to the side, despite his manager’s insistence that he would certainly miss the game during his pre-match press duties. Amari’i Bell also retained his pace ahead of Brad Smith.

Yeovil dominated the first-half through sheer hard work and had obviously taken note of how Plymouth Argyle started against Town. The hosts began quickly with Jordy Hiwula getting an early chance. A straight ball over the Swindon defence was pulled down by the Manchester City youngster and Nathan Thompson had to react quickly to get back and make a tackle.

The hosts were working tirelessly, Joseph Edwards chased a thankless ball and forced a free-kick on the right after a lazy foul from Yaser Kasim.

Wes Foderingham had to be alert to concede a corner, then again as Edwards got free at the far post and headed hard and low.

When Town did finally put some passes together they made their first chance. Massimo Luongo and Obika worked the ball well in Yeovil’s half and made space for Bell, the wing-back’s cross was a good one but it just evaded Obika then Smith. That was it was it for Swindon as an attacking force for a while.

The Glovers were playing like a team with something to prove. When they took the lead it was not a surprise and fully deserved.

A Foderingham clearance went more up than out and Louis Thompson inadvertently played in Hayter. Initially the striker’s poor pass looked to have wasted the chance but Hiwula resurrected it and pulled back for the former Bournemouth man who slotted home.

Town could not get on the ball as Johnson’s men harried the Swindon players at every opportunity as they tried to play from the back.

Foderingham was forced to kick long too often and the ball came straight back at his defence.

As per their recent form Swindon dominated the possession but too much of the play was in passive positions. The only threat from Cooper’s boys came from a couple of dangerous crosses but despite the quality of the delivery they were always just out of reach of the strikers.

Williams’ introduction at half-time added some purpose to Town’s breaks. His pace offered a different outlet which he demonstrated immediately. Pulling down a Foderingham long ball he paced past three Yeovil defenders but went a little wide and couldn’t get his foot around the shot, which went high past the near post.

The game became more stretched and Swindon found their front foot. Byrne was next to go close, breaking after a Yeovil half chance, the wide man worked a narrow space and shot from the edge of the box but had to watch is sail inches past the upright.

The Glovers were not the same consistent threat as in the first half but continued to create chances. Hiwula having a couple of opportunities to double the lead with two volleys from close range but both were straight at a grateful Foderingham.

Town’s increased pressure and play in the opposing half paid off in the 71st minute. The Robins’ midfield worked the ball wide to Jack Stephens, who, marauding forward from the back, skipped into the box and pulled back for Williams. The former Glover’s finish was excellent, he found the top corner with a side-foot curler to restore parity and delight the 1,545 travelling Swindonians.

Town went in search of a winner and were up-field when a harmless looking ball over the top led to their reduction to 10 men.

Nathan Thompson – on a booking for a first-half foul on Hayter – and Hiwula went after a ball into the corner. Thompson tried to shield it out of play but under pressure fell on to the ball. Not a problem, until Hiwula poked it out and then Town skipper appeared to roll over again and handle it. The offence was an obstruction and a hint of handball was probably what tipped the decision against Thompson’s favour, as Scott Mathieson issued a fatal second yellow.

Conversely the skipper’s dismissal seemed to spur the visitors on. Louis Thompson slotted into the back-line but Town kept their attacking shape as Williams moved to the left-hand side, with fellow substitute Ben Gladwin coming into the middle of midfield.

The 10 men moved the ball with more vigour and purpose than they did at any point in the first-half, perhaps taking the opportunity to re-pay their tiring hosts for their harrying efforts earlier in the piece. Nathan Byrne, Ben Gladwin and Michael Smith all had efforts on goal as Town created a number of decent late half-chances but couldn’t force the winner.

As a spectacle it was a good game of football to watch, especially as it opened up in the second half. Some might complain about the decision to dismiss Nathan Thompson but to do would be to pick bones.

After 90 minutes of surprises, depending on your view, some more pleasant than others, the game probably ended too soon for Town. Upon reflection of both side’s contributions to the match, a share of the points was a fair result.