Swindon ended Sky Bet League Two leaders Walsall’s 12-game unbeaten home run with a 1-0 win which cut the Saddlers’ cushion at the top to four points.

Joel Cotterill’s second-half strike earned the in-form Robins their sixth win in eight games and consigned the table-toppers to a first home league defeat in five months.

Swindon’s best first-half effort came from Harry Smith, whose speculative half-volley flew just over the angle of hme side’s goalframe.

At the other end, Robins goalkeeper Connor Ripley smartly saved Jamie Jellis’ flick-on and Ryan Stirk drilled wide from 25 yards, while Walsall’s penalty appeal for a tug on Liam Gordon’s shirt went unrewarded.

Swindon took the lead after 59 minutes as Cotterill rifled into the roof of the net from eight yards after a Kabongo Tshimanga chance had been blocked.

A fierce 20-yard Tshimanga shot forced a good low save from Walsall keeper Tommy Simkin before Saddlers substitute Albert Adomah tested Ripley from similar range.

Ripley produced a flying save to thwart Adomah again late on as Swindon defended resolutely to restrict their hosts to precious little.