Andy Williams’ brace and one from Jon Obika sent Swindon Town back to the summit of the League One table, while Coventry City’s calamities at the other end of the division continued. Writes Ben Wills. 

Swindon Town’s rocking Robin, Andy Williams, scored two in the first half to take his tally to 17 for the season and equalling a personal record for the former Yeovil frontman.

His first came with eight minutes played when he guided a pinpoint Harry Toffolo cross from the left hand side into the back of the net with a powerful header.

Number two came from the spot shortly after when Louis Thompson was bundled over in the box by ex-Town striker Frank Nouble. Williams slotted home the penalty into the bottom right hand corner, sending Ryan Allsop the wrong way in the Coventry goal.

Obika replaced Michael Smith 20 minutes before the end and scored a minute after his introduction, rounding the Coventry ‘keeper and netting from a tight angle to complete the scoring.

It could’ve been that scoreline, if not more, before half-time had Swindon striker Smith been a bit more potent in front of goal. The giant Geordie had one chance five minutes after the second strike of the contest following some deft build up play from Nathan Byrne and Williams.

Byrne found Williams with an intelligent pass from the outside of his foot and Swift in-turn, teed up Smith with a neat back heel, but the shot sailed wide.

Smith came close again five minutes later but like before, guided an effort past the post, not spotting Williams who was lurking behind him looking for his hat trick.

Coventry did fashion an opening in the first four minutes but Wes Foderingham easily dealt with a Simeon Jackson effort and from that moment on Coventry were under the cosh.

Steven Pressley’s Sky Blues did offer some improvement in the second period and will still be wondering how they failed to pull one back two minutes after the restart.

Nouble flighted in a cross from the left wing and although he was just three yards out, Connor Thomas headed the delivery into the ground and Foderingham smothered the ball on the line.

Mark Pennington headed over later on but Foderingham was untroubled for the majority of the night.

Travelling Town fans at the Ricoh were also treated to a tireless performance from John Swift, recently signed on loan from Chelsea, and looked tidy before he was replaced by Rafael Rossi-Branco on 67 minutes.

Jermaine Hylton meanwhile got a late three minute cameo for his senior debut in professional football after arriving from Redditch in the week.

Town’s 3-0 victory with an 8th win in ten league games, during which Swindon have only dropped five points. In moving back to the top of League One on goal-difference, Town have played a game more than Bristol City who remain in two cups, however all Swindon can do is win each game and keep up the pressure on the top four.

Coventry: Allsop, Pennington, Webster, Martin, Haynes, Fleck, C.Thomas, O’Brien (Swanson ’69), Jackson (Thomas ’80), Nouble, Madine

Subs Not Used: Burge, Willis, Miller, Barton, Finch

Swindon: Foderingham, N Thompson, Stephens, Turnbull, Byrne, L Thompson, Gladwin, Swift (Branco ’67), Toffolo, Williams (Hylton ’87), Smith (Obika ’81)

Subs Not Used: Belford, Barthram, Rodgers, Barker

Man of the Match: Louis Thompson (Swindon)