IT TOOK 45 minutes to get going but once they did Swindon re-found their groove against a hard-working Yeovil Town to earn a 1-1 draw. Even then a late red card for Nathan Thompson threatened to scupper the visitors renewed effort.

Yeovil dominated the first-half with sheer hard work and got their goal through a touch of fortune. James Hayter scoring from close range after being put in by a heavy Louis Thompson touch from Wes Foderingham’s poor clearance.

It remained that way until the break but the introduction of Andy Williams changed things. It was the former Glover who got Town’s equaliser, a delightful finish following great work from Jack Stephens down the right.

Town skipper Thompson’s late red card for a second bookable offence seemed to spur the visitors on. They created a number of decent half-chances but couldn’t quite force the winner.

Jonthan Obika made a shock return to the Town side, despite his manager’s insistence that he would certainly miss the game during his pre-match press duties. Amari’i Bell also retained his pace ahead of Brad Smith.

Yeovil had obviously taken note of how Plymouth Argyle started against Town. The hosts began quickly with Jordy Hiwula getting an early chance. A straight ball over the defence was pulled down by the Manchester City youngster and Nathan Thompson reacted quickly to get back and make a tackle.

The hosts were working hard. Next Joseph Edwards forced a free-kick on the right after a lazy foul from Yaser Kasim. Foderingham had to be alert to concede a corner, then again as Edwards got free at the far post and headed hard and low.

When Town did finally put some passes together they made their first chance. Massimo Luongo and Obika worked the ball well in Yeovil’s half and made space for Bell, the wing-back’s cross was a good one but it just evaded Obika then Smith.

Yeovil were playing like a team with something to prove and when they took the lead it was fully deserved. A Foderingham clearance went more up than out and Louis Thompson inadvertently played in Hayter. Initially his poor pass looked to have wasted the opening but Hiwula resurrected it and pulled back for the former Bournemouth man who slotted home.

Williams introduction at half-time added some purpose to Town’s breaks. His pace offered a different outlet which he demonstrated immediately. Pulling down a Foderingham long ball he paced past three Yeovil defenders but went a little wide and couldn’t get his foot around the shot, which went wide at the near post.

The game became more stretched with Town on the front foot and Byrne was next to go close. Breaking from a Yeovil half chance, the wide-man worked a narrow space and shot from the edge of the box but it went inches wide.

The Glovers were not the same threat as in the first half but continued to create chances. Hiwula having a couple of opportunities to double the lead with two volleys from close range, but both were straight at Foderingham.

Town’s increased pressure and play in the opposing half paid off in the 71st minute. The ball was worked wide to Stephens, who, marauding forward from the back, skipped into the box and pulled back for Williams whose excellent finish found the top corner to restore parity.

The game continued apace before Nathan Thompson saw red late on. He got in a tangle in the corner and appeared to lay on the ball and obstruct Hiwula. A hint of handball was probably what tipped the decision against the Town skipper’s favour.

However Swindon continued to press and forced a couple of late openings but couldn’t quite get the winner.