SWINDON Town’s development side followed up last week’s 3-2 win at AFC Bournemouth with another positive result in the Central League this afternoon after a goalless draw away at Cheltenham Town.

Town U18s manager Alan McLoughlin oversaw proceedings and witnessed a solid rear-guard effort in the face of heavy pressure from Cheltenham, with the visitors’ goal leading something of a charmed life as the home side hit the woodwork three times overall.

Ryan McGivern played the first half as he continues to integrate into the Town camp following his arrival on a free transfer last week, while fellow first-team squad members Kellan Gordon, Kyle Knoyle and Scott Twine all got lengthy run-outs too.

McLoughlin has primarily had to field his own U18s side in Central League fixtures this term and felt the benefits of a couple of senior heads was clear to see.

“We got a bit lucky at times but I was pleased for the players that they’ve managed to get a point on the board because it has been a difficult season mainly playing the youth team in these reserve fixtures,” said McLoughlin.

“Scott Twine, Kyle Knoyle, Ryan McGivern and Kellan Gordon were given the option to play and they all chose to play, which is great.

“It’s nice for them to get some extra minutes to keep them ticking over and more than anything, it’s nice for the young players to have that little bit more experience alongside them.

“You could see Ryan’s experience in the way he led the line at the back and it is a help for Joe (Romanski) and Paolo (Giamattei) to have someone with that little bit more experience next to them to guide them and see them through things.

“I can’t ask any more of the pros that came up, they all ran their socks off.”

Cheltenham came closest to breaking the stalemate as Jordon Forster’s miscued header from a Jordan Cranston free-kick trickled across the face of goal and back off the post in first-half stoppage time before George Lloyd struck the crossbar twice in the second period.

Although McLoughlin admitted his side were somewhat fortunate to come out unscathed, he was proud of the resolute efforts of the visiting players.

“The pitch was a little bit heavy and difficult to play attractive football on, but I was pleased with the way the young players defended against some big players and aerial threats,” said McLoughlin.

“We played OK but spent probably 65 per cent of it defending and that is a test in itself.

“We managed to get everyone onto the pitch and overall, I was pleased with everyone.”

SWINDON TOWN: Matthews, Knoyle (Graham 78), Spalding, Haines (Giamattei 64), Romanski, McGivern (Edwards 46), Gordon (Rejek 67), Ouldridge, Dugan (Dunstan-Digweed 86), Twine, Bancroft.