A goal in each half from veteran striker Nicky Forster handed Brighton & Hove Albion all three points on Saturday afternoon, with Swindon unable to build on an early lead.

Craig Easton had fired Town ahead with just seven minutes on the clock before Forster's efforts on 12 and 66 minutes sealed the points.

Swindon Town boss Maurice Malpas named an unchanged line-up for Saturday's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Robins also welcomed Barry Corr and Billy Paynter back to a bench which also included Frenchman Sofiene Zaaboub. Blair Sturrock and Simon Cox continued their partnership up front, with both players on the scoresheet in last weekend's 2-2 home draw with Carlisle United.

Town started the game well with Blair Sturrock seeing his turn and shot easily gathered by Kuipers in the Albion goal with just sixty seconds on the clock.

Another chance fell Swindon's way on four minutes with Kuipers unable to claim the ball. Sturrock and Cox both sent the ball goalwards but the home defence were able to recover and the danger was cleared.

Hasney Aljofree then saw his powerful left foot drive well saved with Town's second corner of the game ensuing. A corner from the right was not cleared with Craig Easton on hand to fire home from close range with seven minutes played.

Brighton's first real foray forward saw Nicky Forster's 20-yard strike fly narrowly over from the angle.

After Nicky Forster had been brought down on the edge of the area, an Albion free-kick ensued and the home side made the most of their opening. A ball into the box from Dean Cox found Forster who headed home his fifth goal in six games into the far corner with Brezovan grounded on 12 minutes.

Just two minutes later a cross from Joel Lynch was blazed over by Forster from six yards with the goal gaping. It could easily have been advantage Albion; but Town survived.

Swindon continued to press forward. Michael Timlin's corner forced more pressure with Sturrock seeing his glancing header cleared off the line.

Glenn Murray then combined well down the right and his ball across the face of goal was met by Dean Cox who fired over. The striker then went close again on 24 minutes. Cox's cross from the right was met by Murray whose shot was brilliantly saved by Brezovan, who tipped the ball over.

Steve Thompson was then denied by Brezovan who stuck out a leg to deny the striker on the line before the Slovakian denied the on-loan Therry Racon sixty seconds later.

The half drew to a close with both teams battling it out for possession although unable to take the lead, with the scores level after one minute of added first half time.

H/T: Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Swindon Town 1

Town kicked off the second half eager to build on what had been a solid first half showing.

Anthony McNamee started the second period in good form with several crosses inside the first five minutes. A late challenge by Charlton loanee Racon had Aljofree riled on 49 minutes but after a word in the ear from Referee Mr A Woolmer, play continued.

Simon Cox found some space inside the area on 54 minutes but having jinked inside his marker could only fire wide of Kuipers' left hand post.

Brighton's first venture of the new half saw Dean Cox breeze into the box but his right footed cross was gathered by Brezovan on the six yard line. Cox then surged forward but his left foot strike from 20 yards sailed harmlessly over.

Glenn Murray was then denied by a sliding challenge from Ifil and there was another chance for the home side following the ensuing corner. The ball flashed across the face of the area with Cox and Forster unable to divert the ball home.

Michael Timlin headed the ball off the line on 63 minutes following another corner with the home side piling on the pressure in the sunshine. Jack Smith then produced a superbly timed tackle inside the box to deny Murray.

Jerel Ifil was booked on 66 minutes after bringing down Dean Cox on the edge of the area. The award of the free-kick proved to be costly with Nicky Forster stepping up and curling the ball in off the post for his second of the afternoon to make it 2-1 to the home side.

Immediately after the goal Billy Paynter was introduced in place of Blair Sturrock in the Town front line.

Swindon were awarded plenty of possession as the second half continued although were unable to really exert any pressure on the home goal.

Steve Thompson saw his lob on 76 minutes land way off the mark after Brezovan's attempted clearance fell short. Michael Timlin's added value to the Swindon line-up was once again evident on 78 minutes as he produced a fine sliding challenge to break down another Albion attack.

Town boss Maurice Malpas made a second change of the afternoon on 83 minutes with Sofiene Zaaboub on in place of goalscorer Easton. Irish front man Barry Corr was then thrown on for the final five minutes with Simon Cox making way.

Swindon did mount some late pressure although Zaaboub's 89th minute corner failed to cause any problems inside the Albion box. As the snow resumed at The Withdean, Miguel Comminges was booked for a late challenge before the fourth officials board was raised with four minutes of added time.

There was not enough time for a Swindon comeback as The Seagulls held on for three valuable points towards their Play-Off charge.

Full-time: Brighton & Hove Albion 2 Swindon Town 1

Goals: Easton '7, Forster '12, '66

Attendance: 6,849 (544 from Swindon)