Elliott heads Town to triumph

Image: Elliott: Earned Cheltenham local bragging rights

Steve Elliott's second-half header handed Cheltenham a 1-0 victory in a feisty derby clash against Swindon.

The veteran defender rose highest to head home Marlon Pack's corner three minutes after the restart and inflict a first defeat on Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio. Cheltenham striker Jimmy Spencer was sent off late on after leading with his elbow on Aden Flint. It was Swindon who started the better, peppering the home target in the opening minutes. Billy Bodin had a fierce shot pushed away by keeper Scott Brown after five minutes before skipper Oliver Risser and Raffaele De Vita fizzed shots just off target. Midfielder Alan McCormack then crashed his 20-yard drive against the outside of a post. Visiting stopper Phil Smith was finally forced into action after 29 minutes, pushing Danny Andrew's 25-yard strike around a post before later stopping Alan Bennett's header. The home side continued to press after the break and Elliott made the pressure count with his powerful header. The goal rocked Di Canio's side but they gradually edged their way back and giant defender Flint looped a header just too high, moments before Bodin appeared to be tripped by Elliott only for the visitors' penalty appeals to be ignored.
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