WANDERERS slipped to a 2-1 defeat at home to Swindon Town, missing the chance to make up some ground on leaders Sheffield United.

Phil Parkinson's side were off the pace in the first half but despite improving after the break and going ahead through David Wheater's volley, they failed to kill the game off.

Ben Gladwin equalised before Yaser Kasim pounced for a last-minute winner.

Chief football writer Marc Iles gives his assessment of how the players rated, and all the match stats.

The Bolton News:

Gary Madine in close attendance with Raphael Rossi-Branco.

WANDERERS (4-2-3-1) - MATCH MARKS

BEN ALNWICK…6 Can’t really be faulted for either goal and only had one save of note to make in the dying seconds from Norris. Frustrating afternoon for the Wanderers stopper.

LAWRIE WILSON…6 Gambled forward gamely in support of Henry but quality crossing was lacking throughout. May have lost his man at the far post for Kasim’s winner.

DAVID WHEATER…7 What a shame his stunning volley did not end up earning Wanderers at least a point. One great block also saved a goal at the other end.

MARK BEEVERS…6.5 Also made a goal-saving block at the far post from the dangerous Colkett. Not at his imperious best but solid enough.

ANDY TAYLOR…6 Probably the best source of crosses into the box but Swindon did find space in behind him at times.

JAY SPEARING…6 His corner created the goal for Wheater but otherwise delivery from set pieces was a bit erratic. Tried hard to up the tempo in the second half.

TOM THORPE…5.5 Struggled to get involved before being hooked in a tactical swap towards the end. Looked a little off the pace.

JAMES HENRY…6.5 Looked the most dangerous Wanderers player, hitting the woodwork twice, but his final ball was inconsistent.

JOSH VELA…6.5 Nobody ran harder than the young midfielder but he went through big patches in the game without getting on the ball.

ZACH CLOUGH…6 Saw more possession than he has recently and was unlucky with one early effort. His decision-making in the penalty box wasn’t at its best, however, and he failed to make the most of some of his good build up play.

GARY MADINE…5.5 Probably should have had a penalty in the first half after being clattered by Branco and went close with a late header. Otherwise involved in a running battle with the officials.

Subs: Clayton 76 (for Thorpe), Proctor 90+1 (for Wilson).

Not used: Turner, Moxey, C Taylor, Derik, Trotter.

Swindon (4-1-3-2): Vigouroux; Thomas, Branco, Jones, Dabo; Kasim; Gladwin, Goddard, Colkett, Norris, Feruz.

Subs: Hylton 60 (for Feruz), Murray 90+5 (for Colkett)

Not used: Henry, Rodgers, Smith, Stewart, Delfouneso.

Their star man – Ben Gladwin Utilised the extra space the diamond formation afforded the Robins in midfield and linked play up nicely. Shaded Charlie Colkett as the most impressive debutant on show.

MATCH STATS

POSSESSION Wanderers – 52 Swindon - 48

SHOTS ON TARGET Wanderers – 7 Swindon - 3

SHOTS OFF TARGET Wanderers – 7 Swindon - 7

CORNERS Wanderers – 6 Swindon - 5

FOULS AGAINST Wanderers – 6 Swindon - 7

OFFSIDES Wanderers – 1 Swindon – 2

Booked: Wanderers – Wheater, Beevers Swindon – Kassim, Branco

Sent off: None

Attendance: 13,995

Referee: Mark Heywood 6

Wanderers had a decent penalty appeal turned down for a foul on Madine and Swindon also protested that the corner which led to Wheater’s goal should have been a goal kick. Pretty standard in League One.

Goals: Wanderers – Wheater 48 Swindon – Gladwin 62, Kasim 89

Entertainment – 6

Got much, much better in the second half but it was hardly a classic. Wanderers have seldom looked this sluggish at home this season.

Atmosphere – 5

Fans tried to rally their team in the second half but otherwise there was a fairly quiet, almost discontented feel around the stadium as the football failed to get going.