ONE surprise omission from Town’s starting line-up at London Road was top-scorer Michael Smith who was only named on the bench.

It seemed unlikely that the 12-goal striker would have been dropped after his starring role in ending Bristol City’s unbeaten run and so that proved. Smith had been rested after a heavy collision in training with Raphael Branco left him with a sore shoulder.

It proved not to be a problem as both of Swindon’s starting pair Andy Williams and Jonathan Obika netted in the big Geordie’s absence as Town won 2-1.

Reassuringly for Robins boss Mark Cooper the injury does not appear to be as serious as the one that saw Smith miss the draw with Coventry and the 23-year-old should be fit to return for next weekend’s home game against Fleetwood.

Asked for a clarification on Smith’s condition post-match, Cooper said: “He hurt his shoulder in training on Thursday.

“He fell on his shoulder from quite a big height, I think he was competing with Rafa (Branco) and Rafa’s flipped him over and he’s fell right on his shoulder blade. We tested him this morning but he was too sore.

“It’s not a problem Andrew Williams has started the game and showed that he can start and score as well, so that’s the monkey off his back.

“(Smith) should be fine (for next weekend) but he’s very sore at the moment.”