SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner dismissed concerns his side suffered from a lack of ruthlessness after the club’s 2-2 draw with Rochdale on Saturday.

Town went ahead in the first half after Ben Gladwin’s stunning volley in the 37th minute, but a lacklustre start to the second period saw Rochdale force their way back into the game.

George Broadbent struck the equaliser before Liam Kelly – linked with a move to Swindon over the summer – drilled in Dale’s second midway through the second half.

Both Rochdale goals came from mistakes by Town players after the hosts failed to put the game beyond doubt following a strong first half.

Asked whether Town suffered from a lack of ruthlessness at both ends of the pitch, Garner admitted his team could have done better in defence but refused to criticise their attacking play.

Garner said: “I thought in the first half, we got into some wonderful positions and really worked the ball around well.

“I thought we were in full control, and we were disappointed not to get that second goal.

“But it’s not a lack of ruthlessness when you’ve had 19 shots at goal and you’re creating numerous opportunities.

“We’ve had one-on-ones, we’ve had chances from set pieces, we’ve had shots from distance.

“It’s not a lack of trying, we haven’t been scoring many goals at home, but we’ve scored two today – that should be enough to win the game.

“It’s not about not scoring goals today, it’s about the fact we’ve given two away when we shouldn’t have.”

In front of almost 9500 at the County Ground, fans were left with little to cheer in the first 15 minutes of both halves as Town were slow to get out of the blocks.

Garner admitted his side could improve early on in games but explained their style usually pays off in the end.

He said: “I thought we were a little bit slow in the first 15 minutes of the first half – in the second half too. We just needed to be a bit sharper, a bit quicker, play with a bit more intensity early on.

“But because of the way we play, generally – as the half wears on – and because of keeping the ball and moving it, the gaps open up and the opposition become more tired.

“I think the first 15 minutes in a half is the hardest period because the opposition is fresh, they’ve had their instructions. But without a doubt, we can still improve in that period.”