Swindon down Port Vale

Saturday 14 March 2015 18:30, UK

Swindon survived a barrage of second-half pressure to increase their automatic promotion chances with a 1-0 win at Port Vale.

The visitors should have gone ahead in the second minute when Andy Williams fired wide of a gaping net after he was sent clear by Jack Stephens. But the winning goal arrived in the eighth minute with Raphael Rossi Branco heading high into the centre of goal from eight yards out following Harry Toffolo's right-wing corner. Massimo Luongo then had a fierce shot tipped against the post by Chris Neal with the Vale defenders chasing shadows. Vale improved as the first half progressed with Ben Williamson's shot saved by Wes Foderingham and Mark Marshall providing some dangerous crosses from the left flank. And they were inches from an equaliser in the 54th minute when Michael O'Connor's 25-yard free-kick clipped the top of the crossbar. Williamson again went close with the Swindon defence now rocking before Foderingham made a terrific save to keep out a fierce strike from Vale substitute Louis Dodds. But the visitors battened down the hatches to hang on to three precious points.