TOWN Ladies boss Steve Robertson has called on his side to step it up after they battled to a 3-2 win over St Nicholas in Bristol.

In a topsy-turvy match at Lodge Road, Town had to hang on as Serena Smith was sent off, apparently for repeated dissent, with her side having just re-taken the lead for the second time.

Swindon dominated the contest and took the lead through Abby Picton in the first half. They were pegged back before half-time as Amber Roberts scored for St Nicholas on the counter attack.

After the break the hosts took a shock lead through Amy Jeffries as Swindon switched off from a set-piece.

Substitute Beth Thompson ended a mazy run with a tidy near-post finish to give Town parity with plenty of time to grab a winner.

With less than 15 minutes left on the clock, another substitute, Sarah Uzzell gave Swindon all three points with a powerful finish.

Robertson was bemused by his players’ dismissal, but thought they should not have been in a position where they were hanging on.

The Ladies boss admitted his side would have to improve on their concentration if they are to come close to their ambitions for glory this season.

“We dominated from start to finish. They scored when our defenders switched off,” said Robertson.

“Fair play to them for taking their chances.

“We had a hatful of our own chances and could have been out of sight by half time.

“Even when we only had 10 players on the pitch they didn’t really get into our half.

“We were very good today, but only when we had to be. unfortunately if we play like that every week we won’t end up where we want to be.

“We’re still in third gear at the moment. We’ve got more to offer.”

Despite the disappointment in his side for not taking their chances, Robertson was impressed with his players for the spirit they showed to hang once down to 10.

“I’ll be honest I think last year we would have drawn that game form the position we were in,” he added.

“They’re a much side than they were last year. We dropped points a couple of times in the final minutes last season and said this time it is something we need to do better at.

“It’s a bit like a cup final defending like that in the last few minutes so credit to them.”

Elsewhere Swindon Spitfires lost their second league match of the season 2-0 at home to Maidenhead United.