Ian Holloway won’t give up on play-offs despite Swindon’s draw with Accrington

Swindon boss Ian Holloway has not given up hope of finishing in the play-offs despite dropping more points in a goalless draw at home to Accrington Stanley.

The Robins have now drawn four on the trot to sit 11 points behind the top seven and with a mountain to climb if they want to push for promotion.

However, Holloway is refusing to throw in the towel just yet, and was pleased to get a clean sheet after shipping three goals at home to Cheltenham the previous week.

“My team’s getting better,” he said.

“We’re running out of games, but we’re not running out of pride.

“I am so proud of that performance. I am putting my name on that. I like that.

“Doncaster did it last year, they won nine out of 10 I think. They got in the play-offs, so who’s to say we can’t? That’s a dream I have, whether it works or not, I don’t care.

“That’s the standard I’m asking them to play to and if they look disappointed, quite right. I’m disappointed.”

Swindon centre-back Will Wright had the first chance as he went close with a dipping free-kick.

The Robins then breathed a sigh of relief when Accrington skipper Seamus Conneely hit the post from Josh Woods’ set piece.

Tom Nichols picked out Paul Glatzel lurking free at the visitor’s back post as Swindon threatened again but the former Liverpool man somehow jabbed wide.

Nichols then set up Harry Smith with a perfect knock down only for the striker to fire straight at the keeper.

Stanley’s Alex Henderson should have done much better than shank over after a neat backheel by Josh Woods.

A last-ditch block by Devon Matthews stopped Smith jabbing home Kilkenny’s low centre.

George Cox then swung in a dangerous near-post cross for fellow Town substitute Joe Westley, who headed over.

He then neatly turned and hit a fierce shot which seemed destined for the top corner but Billy Crellin got a firm hand to it.

Danny Butterworth jinked through the visitors’ midfield soon after but his shot was no trouble for Crellin and Stanley held on.

Boss John Doolan said: “They had a couple of chances. It’s a tough place to come.

“They’ve got a bit of momentum in terms of what they’ve been doing well themselves, so it’s a tough point and well earned.

“The back five were outstanding. The whole team were in terms of defending, trying to keep hold of what you’ve got.”