A FILIPE Morais deflected effort consigned Swindon to a 1-0 home defeat to Crawley and saw their wretched record against the Red Devils continue into a ninth game.

Despite starting brightly, without creating too much in the way of chances, the Robins still found themselves heading into the break behind after Morais peeled away at a corner and a double deflection helped his powerful volley squirm over the goal-line.

Swindon would have taken some comfort from the fact that they had been in a similar position against Lincoln two weeks before – fighting back from two goals down to take a point.

But this time the comeback did not appear, despite Swindon being awarded a late penalty after a foul on Canice Carroll.

Keshi Anderson stepped up to take, but Glenn Morris stretched to his right-hand side to deny Swindon a share of the spoils.

Richie Wellens named an unchanged side to the one that took all three points away from Prenton Park last Saturday against Tranmere.

Tom Broadbent was handed a home debut while Ali Koiki was given his first start at the County Ground, as he looked to build on his first assist for the club.

Town started brightly and began knocking about with a confidence that has rarely been seen in recent months. Michael Doughty had an early free-kick blocked, but chances were at a premium in the opening 20 minutes.

Swindon’s next chance would also come from a free-kick, although Jak McCourt’s effort was far closer to putting the home side ahead.

A fierce drive struck Glenn Morris’ left-hand post before deflecting away and giving Crawley the chance to regroup.

And a minute later, the visitors could have gone ahead. A poor touch midway inside his own half from Broadbent gave Filipe Morais the opportunity to run at the Swindon defence.

Luckily for the ex-Bristol Rovers man, Luke Woolfenden was on hand to smother the danger.

With the vast majority of the ball, yet very few chances to show for it, the Town faithful were beginning to grow restless until a ranging Lawrence Vigouroux clearance found Kaiyne Woolery on Swindon’s right.

The wide-man’s cross almost found Marc Richards in the middle, but for an excellent covering tackle from a visiting defender.

Two Crawley men entered the book prior to half-time – David Sesay and Panutche Camara the offenders – before Swindon found themselves in a very similar position to the previous home match against Lincoln.

Despite having the majority of the first-half play, a failed clearance from a corner saw the ball fall to Filipe Morais who smashed a shot on target, and it squirmed its way over the line to put Crawley ahead at the break.

The frustration from the first-half could not be tempered by the Swindon fans early in the second either as Crawley came out still inspired by their first-half smash and grab.

Morais had a powerful drive blocked following a couple of early corners for the visitors.

Crawley’s main man was causing havoc for the Swindon back-line and after a wayward pass from Canice Carroll, Morais sliced a shot well wide.

It was midway through the second half until Swindon had a clear sight of Morris’ goal – Kaiyne Woolery bundled his way through and if not for another brilliant last-stitch tackle from a Crawley centre-back, Swindon would have been level.

Swindon continued to pile on the pressure late on – substitute Ben House was left alone at a corner and with time to compose himself before shooting, saw his weak effort blocked.

Minutes later, following neat work on the touchline by House, Scott Twine was released inside the box but could not find enough curl on his effort to see it nestle in the corner.

With added time having just been shown, Swindon were awarded a penalty after Carroll played a neat one-two with House before being felled inside the box.

Unfortunately for Wellens’ men, Anderson was denied by a fine save down to his right-hand side by Morris and Swindon drew a blank once again at home.