SWINDON made it three wins from three as they closed the gap at the top of the league to just one point.

It is still early days in what is a long season, but Swindon have flexed their muscles in the promotion fight as they rounded off a tough run of fixtures with an impressive away display.

After beating both Preston and Bristol City at the County Ground it was another fine performance from Mark Coopers men as they closed the gap on league leaders Bristol City, who lost 1-0 at home to Preston North End.

Despite the return of Massimo Luongo and Yaser Kasim from international duty they could only find a place on the bench as Mark Cooper chose to stick with much the same side that beat Bristol City last weekend.

The only change came up front, where last week’s match winner Michael Smith was dropped to the bench with Andy Williams preferred alongside Jon Obika.

And the forward justified his place in the starting XI as he fired the visitors in front mid-way through what was an end-to-end first half of football.

Less than two minutes after the break it was Williams strike partner Obika who doubled the lead for Town with a strong header, to give him just his second goal since returning from injury and a much needed confidence boost.

Joe Newell got a goal in the second minute of added on time but it was not enough to claim a point from what was an enthralling encounter.

Ben Gladwin gave the home side an early scare as he took aim from distance in the 3rd minute, only to see his effort rattle off the woodwork with Ben Alnwick rooted to the spot in goal.

Swindon had a fair shout for a penalty in the 21st minute after a ball was played in from Louis Thompson and Obika was bundled off the ball at the far post.

There were no appeals from the striker but a few sighs of relief from the Posh fans.

The home side then had an appeal of their own as Joe Newell made a run into the box from the left and, with an out-stretched arm, Branco strongly got in front of him to win the ball, with big shouts from the home fans as the wide man took a tumble.

Williams repaid Coopers decision to start him in the 33rd minute.

Toffolo was given far too much time on the left to pick out a cross and found Williams who had given himself a little bit of space between himself and the defender to guide the ball home first time with a little help from the post.

Town were put under a lot of pressure in the remainder of the first half but held strong with both Byrne and Toffolo making important blocks to keep the advantage, as they were happy to hear the referees whistle.

Swindon were quickly out of the blocks in the second half as Obika doubled the away sides lead after only two minutes of the re-start.

It was Gladwin with the free-kick in from the right and Obika was able to get in front of his man and head home, giving Alnwick no chance.

Swindon were again under pressure after the goal with Wes Foderingham having to be alert to stop from Newell and Anderson, but the introduction of Luongo and Kasim from the bench after 60 minutes was a calming influence.

Swindon rode their luck in the last ten minutes of the game as substitute as Washington twice went close.

The first was from a corner but at point blank range he saw his effort fire straight at Turnbull on the line.

The forward, who has been in fine form for Peterborough, should have done better just a minute later when Luke James cut the ball back for Washington to somehow hits the bar from less than 10 yards.

A late goal from Newell in the second minute of extra time gave the home fans a glimmer of hope and they nearly nicked the draw when Anderson fired high over after a goal mouth scramble.

But Town were able to hold out and claim the three valuable points.