Defensive howlers are fast-becoming the story of Swindon Town’s season and another two at the County Ground this afternoon offered ten-man Leeds United three points on their travels.

Town defender Jerel Ifil was the first to be left holding his head in his hands after letting a harmless low cross into the box from Luciano Becchio roll under his foot to give Jermaine Beckford an easy chance to open the scoring from close range in the 23rd minute.  

Leeds were down to ten-men by that time after Alan Sheehan was shown a straight red for a reckless challenge on midfielder Jon-Paul McGovern in the eighth minute.

 It was Town’s afternoon that went from bad to worse, however, when just five minutes after the break goalkeeper Phil Smith somehow managed to fumble a powerful Neil Kilkenny free-kick from all of 30 yards and watch in horror as the ball trickled over the line

Simon Cox had managed to level the game just before half-time with a clever run to allude the Leeds back four and arrive late at the back post to side-foot volley home a pin-point Anthony McNamee cross.  

Leeds Goalkeeper David Lucas made two fine saves to deny Cox in either side of half-time and with Town pushing forward in search of a leveller, but Beckford put the match beyond any doubt with a simple finish six minutes from time after a clever pass from David Prutton sent the striker clear.     

Swindon Town (4-4-2): P Smith; Amankwaah, Aljofree, Ifil, J Smith; McGovern (Marshall 64), Easton (Timlin 69), Nalis, McNamee; Cox, Paynter. Subs: Scott, Peacock, Morrison.  

Leeds United (4-4-2): Lucas; Richardson, Marques, Telfer, Sheehan; Kilkenny (Prutton 58), Delph, Douglas, Hughes; Beckford (Snodgrass 85), Becchio (Howson 58). Subs: Robinson, Martin.