Swindon improved their chances of a play-off place and kept Brighton in the relegation zone after a 2-1 home victory.

Robins keep promotion hopes alive at County Ground

Swindon improved their chances of a play-off place and kept Brighton in the relegation zone after Charlie Austin's header secured a 2-1 home victory. The Robins just about shaded the first half and Billy Paynter gave them the lead after 31 minutes, converting a penalty after he had been blatantly pushed by Jim McNulty. They were only ahead for seven minutes as Elliott Bennett's superb right-wing cross was headed powerfully in by Nicky Forster. Brighton had started brightly without creating clear chances but Swindon kept Peter Brezovan busy. The goalkeeper did well to collect a thunderous shot from Jonathan Douglas and Austin saw a shot dropped just eight yards out. Swindon continued to attack but they might have conceded when Tommy Elphick won a free-kick but McNulty's effort was deflected wide. Douglas might have restored Swindon's lead but Brezovan did well to punch away, before Austin headed home Jon-Paul McGovern's superb cross for a 54th-minute winner.