STRIKES from Jim Towers and Henry Cheney helped Swindon start 2015 in winning fashion with a 2-1 success at Newent.

The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams defending stoutly and Alan Gough putting in a stellar performance in goal for Swindon, rolling back the years with some incredible saves.

Newent did manage to find the net late in the half but the effort was ruled out and Swindon were correctly awarded a free hit.

The second half was a similar story until the deadlock was finally broken around 10 minutes in.

Pete Gilbert showed composure beyond his years, carrying the ball forward from left back. He found Chris Parsons on the left, who turned and slid a pass square into the circle. The Newent defence failed to cut the ball out and it bobbled through to Jim Towers, who beat the advancing keeper.

The home team were rattled and veteran keeper Gough continued to prove the difference between the two sides.

Five minutes after taking the lead, Towers picked up the ball in the middle of the park from a loose Newent pass. Henry Cheney moved into space and Towers fed him to do the rest.

Beating two players, Cheney remained composed as the keeper came to meet him and he scooped the ball on the reverse over his head and beyond the despairing defender on the line.

Swindon defended their lead resolutely and looked to hit Newent on the break in the last 15 minutes.

Gough continued to thwart the efforts of the home side with the support of Gilbert, Lewis Dyer, Sam Monks and Alex Hynes at the back.

Even after Steve Dixon saw yellow, the visitors were defiant, determined to see the result to the end. And although they were unfortunate to concede a goal late on from a short corner, it had little bearing on the result.