If Rovers had been able to convert one of their early half chances into a goal, the psychological lift might have carried them through the rest of the contest in much better shape. But they were unable to capitalise as Gareth Edds just failed to make contact with Michael Ricketts’ fifth minute cross at the far post, Ian Goodison’s header was scrambled off the line by Jean-Paul McGovern and Edds, set up by Ricketts’ neat layoff, smashed a first-time half volley straight at goalkeeper David Lucas. Swindon’s opener on 34 minutes was entirely against the run of play and changed the game. Tranmere were slack in allowing McGovern to find space from a throw-in to cross from the right. Defenders were left flatfooted as Paynter pounced on the chance at the far post. Rovers players and officials were furious with referee Anthony Bates for dismissing their penalty claims when Craig Curran appeared to be barged off the ball as he moved onto a flick from Ricketts on 37 minutes. Two minutes later Tranmere gifted the visitors a second goal when Zoumana Bakayogo drove an attempted clearance straight into the legs of Kevin Amankwaah near the touchline, giving the Swindon fullback a clear run up the right. The low cross, swept diagonally into the penalty area, was expertly flicked into the far corner of the net by Paynter. Swindon, shedding nerves and inhibitions, quickly found the form that enabled them to put together an 11-game unbeaten run during August and September, while Tranmere reverted to the condition that saw them concede 26 goals in the first 11 games of the League One campaign. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Paynter was denied a hat-trick when his shot on the turn from 25 yards crashed against the right-hand post, midfielder Simon Ferry missed the target from 10 yards and Bakayogo knocked a header by Gordon Greer off the line. The home supporters did their best to lift Tranmere but a third Swindon goal arrived at 65minutes when McNamee scored with a shot into the bottom corner. Chris Shuker, who made a positive impact as a 58th minute substitute for Paul McLaren, pulled a goal back with a stooping header after Ian Goodison knocked on a throw from Bakaayogo on 78 minutes. Rovers briefly threatened to make a fight of it but lost concentration once again in injury time by leaving Ferry unmarked to take McGovern’s short corner and drive a low shot past Martin from an angle. TRANMERE: Martin, Logan, Broomes, Goodison, Bakayogo, Edds, Welsh, McLaren (Shuker 57), Curran, Ricketts (Gornell 67), Thomas-Moore. Subs not used: Daniels, Cresswell, Mahon, Taylor, Fraughan. SWINDON: Lucas, Amankwaah, Cuthbert, Greer, Jean-Francois, McGovern, Timlin (Easton 77), Ferry, McNamee, Paynter (Peacock 87), Obadeyi (Austin 84). Subs not used: Smith, Hutchinson, Morrison Revell. BOOKED: Welsh, Thomas-Moore (Tranmere); Jean-Francois (Swindon). REFEREE: Anthony Bates, Staffs. | 
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