On this day four years ago, Swindon Town were victorious at the Kassam Stadium for the first time since 2001 as they beat Oxford United.

You re-live moments like this by gaining access to Swindon Advertiser's digital archive by subscribing.

It was a difficult time throughout the world in 2020, due to the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic. Football, a sport which is people’s escape was postponed from March to July. Swindon’s title-winning team and supporters were denied the opportunity to celebrate the first trophy since 2012. Richie Wellens left the club to return to League Two as he joined Salford City in early November and John Sheridan was his replacement, an appointment which was met with raised eyebrows.

The former Oldham boss picked up a win percentage of 24.24%, with the win against arch-rivals Oxford United being a highlight of his short period at the Robins. Town were later relegated that season and the aftermath was nothing short of mayhem with near-administration, legal issues and much more. 

In a season full of disappointment and despair, the result against the U’s was something that fans could take away from the season.

Going into the clash, both teams were in similar positions. The hosts were sat in 18th and the Robins were in 19th, with a measly one goal difference separating the two sides. After two losses, one win and one draw, it was a great opportunity for Sheridan to get off to an inconsistent, but somewhat steady start to his new job.

After a fine save from now-Bundesliga champion Matej Kovar, a strong period from Oxford was finally rewarded as lifelong U’s supporter Matty Taylor got his side off to the perfect start in the 15th minute.

Liam Kelly’s driven ball from the middle of the pitch carved the Town defence in half, and Taylor ran through on goal and chipped the goalkeeper, as the initial touch from Kovar’s shoulder wasn’t enough to divert the shot away.

It was arguably the best game for Kovar in a Swindon shirt as he was forced to make numerous saves in the first half as the hosts created three big chances in just 45 minutes.

A super stop from KovarA super stop from Kovar (Image: Dave Evans)

He looked impossible to beat after the opener and it was disappointing that the loan move did not work out for him as he was recalled in January.

The second half proved to be a period where the visitors were in control as they turned the game on its head.

Multiple spells of pressure followed, but the chances were worthless as they were still 1-0 down, until a moment of magic from Tom Broadbent.

The now-South Shields defender came on for Paul Caddis with 61 minutes on the clock and made a surprise stint up front as a striker.

He partnered with Tyler Smith up front and it was them two who put the sword to a struggling United as a unwanted seven losses in a row in the A420 derby finally came to an end.

A deflected ball fell into the path of Broadbent who turned and got a touch onto the ball that diverted it into the back of the net, which levelled terms in the 84th minute.

The damage was dealt in the first minute of stoppage time as a powerful flicked on header from Broadbent on the edge of the area avoided all the opposition players and Smith got the final nick on the ball to send it past Simon Eastwood to secure the victory.

Town celebrations after the full time whistleTown celebrations after the full time whistle (Image: Dave Evans)

The victory lifted Sheridan’s side into 16th, but that was the highest point they’d be at for the rest of the season, as they went winless for the rest of the calendar year and were sent down to the fourth division in 23rd.

Broadbent and Smith would also start up-top together in the following game against Crewe. The defender got an assist whilst the now-Bradford striker got on the scoresheet in a 4-2 loss.

OUFC starting XI: Eastwood, Ruffels, Moore, Gorrin, Taylor, Long, Henry, McGuane, Atkinson, Obita, Kelly.

SUBS: Stevens, Hall, Sykes, Forde, Mousinho, Agyei, Shodipo.

STFC starting XI: Kovar, Caddis, Odimayo, Grounds, Baudry, Donohue, M Smith, A Grant, J Grant, Stevens, T Smith.

STFC subs: Fryer, Jaiyesimi, Payne, Curran, Hunt, Haines, Broadbent.