Chris Marsh returned along with Paul Dempsey, Marsh moved into midfield and Jamie Forrester played a wide forward role in a 4-3-3 formation.
The home side were gifted the lead in the 4th minute, Ian Sampson conceded a freekick by the corner flag. Sol Davies crossed an Marco Gabbiadini headed into his own net from ten yards. But Town kept their heads up and went in search of a quick equaliser.
Jamie Forrester drove a 25 yard shot that Bart Griemink did well to turn round the post for a corner. Gabbiadini shot over from 20 yards on 20 minutes before Giuliano Grazioli went over in the penalty area two minutes later. The referee deemed Richard Hope's challange to be a fair one though.
In the 38th minute Bobby Howe hammed in Davies' cross but the goal was runled out for offside.
The second half started very slowly, with the first action coming on the hour mark. Davis went in late on Gabbiadini and was shown the red card for his second bookable offence. But Town's jinx of playing ten men struck again! Within three minutes the home side had doubled their lead. Matthew Heywood met Howe's freekick and the ball dropped to Danny Invincible, who poked the ball home from three yards. If was a soft goal for the Cobblers to concede, but again Town's heads stayed up as the players tried to get back into the game.
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Derek Asamoah and John Hodge were introduced into the game and The Cobblers continued to enjoy the possession. With 9 minutes to go Marsh crossed for Jamie Forrester to head home from 10 yards. Town had a lifeline!
Four minutes later, Asamoah reacted quickest at the back post following a scramble, but Griemink made a brilliant stop to deny an equaliser. Roy Hunter then drove a 25 yards shot towards the top corner but again the Swindon keeper matched it and tipped it over the bar.
Two minutes into injury time, John Hodge drove a fantastic shot just wide of the post, which proved to be the last action of the game.
Editor's View
Town were undone by two stupid defensive errors in an otherwise good performance. The conditions were awful for both sides, with driving wind and rain throughout the 90 minutes. A good contigent of Cobblers fans made plenty of noise for most of the game, but again it's the same old story, we should have got a point.
Ref Watch
Mark Cooper was card happy but all were justified, although he didnot allow for the conditions. The sending off was spot on although the home fans didn't agree. He gave a series of soft free kicks to both sides and frutrated both sets of supporters at times. Not the worst but by far not the best.
Ground
The County Ground looked quite empty with over 6500. Away fans were housed in one corner of the main stand (thankfully not on the open terrace behind the goal). A good view and a reasonable £14 entry.
Cobblers Man of the Match - Jamie Forrester, never stopped running and fine headed goal.