Jordan Lyden scores a late header as Swindon Town remain top of League Two following a 1-0 win away at Northampton Town

After a frustrating first half for both teams that often left a lot to be desired, Swindon took control in the second 45 and were rewarded for their efforts with a 77th minute winner from their Australian midfielder.

Queuing scenes of jubilation from the 1300-plus travelling supporters, Lyden powered a header past home goalkeeper David Cornell late on after Eoin Doyle had crossed into the middle.

Swindon made two changes to Saturday’s 1-1 draw away at Carlisle – Lloyd Isgrove came in for Jerry Yates while Jordan Lyden replaced Hallam Hope.

The most notable absence however was that of manager Richie Wellens – the 39-year-old was unwell and therefore unable to make the trip up to the PTS Academy Stadium.

Assistant manager Noel Hunt assumed responsibility instead, and Swindon started brightly under the Irishman.

Doyle was presented with a chance in the first minute after Charlie Goode let the ball run under his boot.

But Doyle’s left-footed attempt from the edge of the box was easily dealt with by David Cornell.

Northampton grew into the game and soon had their first chance to score in the 10th minute.

Zeki Fryers missed a simple chance to clear and the ball fell to Mark Marshall who worked some space before firing a fierce effort at goal.

Though it looked to be heading into the corner, a big right hand from Steven Benda emerged to push it wide.

Doyle had the game’s next chance shortly after, shooting straight at Cornell from inside the box before a lengthy period of disappointment in the final third from both teams.

Several over or under-hit crosses were dealt with by defenders while Swindon were forced to make a change to theirs midway through the opening period.

Paul Caddis was replaced by Tom Broadbent – meaning Zeki Fryers reverted to left-back and Rob Hunt moved over to right back.

A couple of breakaways were wasted by Isgrove late on in the first half before the visitors had their goalkeeper to thank to ensure the game remained goalless at the break.

Will Hoskins slammed a half-volley at goal from the edge of the box, but Benda moved quickly to his left to parry it away.

The second half started quietly before two golden chances for the visitors opened proceedings up around the hour.

Swindon broke away on the counter through Michael Doughty, and the midfielder played in Doyle who went down in the box, but no penalty was forthcoming.

The ball then broke to Doughty once more who clipped a cross over to Diallang Jaiyesimi with an open goal in front of him.

However, the winger volleyed at thin air with the goal at his mercy, much to the agony of the 1300 travelling fans.

Moments later, Jaiyesimi – who would be substituted not long after – fluffed his lines again.

Grant pumped a long ball over the top which Isgrove latched onto before crossing low for Jaiyesimi in the middle.

But once again, the winger failed to get enough on his effort, and it curled wide.

Northampton had been quiet for large parts of the second 45, but almost went in front if not for a sensational goal-saving tackle from Lyden.

Sam Hoskins zipped a pass into the Andy Williams who cut back onto his right before going to shoot.

It would almost certainly have been 1-0 to the hosts if not for Lyden’s timely and aggressive tackle.

And the goal saver turned himself into goal scorer just seconds later to put a Noel Hunt-led Swindon in front in the 77th minute.

Eoin Doyle chipped the most inviting cross into the middle from the left that a rampaging Lyden powered into the net with his head – sending the travelling support into absolute delirium.

Five minutes before the end, Swindon’s stopper provided near heroics once again to deny the hosts.

A Nicky Adams free-kick was powered goalwards by Charlie Goode, but Benda leaped across to his left to palm it away for a corner and ensure Swindon left with all three points.

It could have been two at the death as Swindon cleared a corner and Yates charged away unattended.

However, a fingertip save from Cornell made sure the game finished at just 1-0.