SWINDON suffered their first defeat of the season in Conference North as they lost 2-1 to fellow high-flyers Marlborough.

The home team pressed well and Swindon struggled to break through and make a meaningful impression further up the pitch.

Despite not playing particularly well, and going down to bare 11 when Tom Wickens was forced off after 20 minutes, Swindon did snatch the lead.

James Lewis stepped well to pinch the ball, feeding Luke Cejer, who played in Thomas Lentschner, who showed great composure to pick his spot and drill the ball home.

After the break, Swindon struggled to keep pace with the 14 home players, who rolled their substitutes effectively.

Marlborough managed to equalise after Swindon gave the ball away in their own half and Alan Gough was left isolated and the young Marlborough player finished well.

A second for Marlborough quickly followed as a result of a defensive mix up.

The game finished with the visitors running on fumes after an extremely tough battle.

Swindon will hope to bounce back on Saturday when they welcome Bristol and West at Isambard School at 10am.