Walsall made three changes at the County Ground with returns for Clayton Mc Donald, Alex Nicholls and Matt Richards in for Mark Hughes, Dwayne Mattis and Darren Byfield.
The Saddlers started off in a positive frame of mind, forcing no less than six corners in the first 13 minutes. Soon afterwards Rene Gilmartin had to be alert to prevent Billy Paynter from giving the Robins the lead. Troy Deeney tried his luck with a shot which went wide and the same player again had another strike at goal with a similar result.
Swindon came more into the game half way into the first half and it was Charlie Austin's turn to fire just wide. Back at the other end Julian Gray chanced his luck with a strike which went over the bar. However Walsall did get reward for their efforts on 43 mins thanks to good work by Alex Nicholls on the right. He cut in and found Steve Jones and the former Burnley winger side footed home. It was a good half for Walsall who looked bright and purposeful throughout.
The hard working Deeney had another shot in the 50th minute as Walsall looked to increase their lead. Soon afterwards Swindon forced two corners as they turned up the heat and they were back in the game on 54 minutes when hot-shot Austin scored from about 6 yards out following a ball from Scott Cuthbert. There was a hint of handball in the execution of this goal which annoyed the Saddlers fans and the player again upset them when he clearly dived and was yellow carded for unsporting behaviour. A minute later he was replaced by Frank Nouble.
Gilmartin made a number of fine saves in the second half whilst at the other end Nicholls shot just wide and Deeney tried a overhead kick which would have been some goal. Steve Jones was replaced by Peter Till and try as hard as they may, both teams were going for the winner but the draw was probably a fair result.
