Ian Holloway enjoys Bristol Rovers return as Swindon ease to victory

Swindon manager Ian Holloway enjoyed a near-perfect homecoming as his promotion-chasing side eased to a 3-0 win over Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

Holloway, who had three spells at Rovers as a player and player-manager between 1980 and 2001, saw first-half goals from Joe Snowdon, Ollie Clarke and Aaron Drinan condemn the home side to a 10th consecutive EFL defeat.

In a game that saw both sides have a player sent off, Holloway’s celebrations were understandably muted as he piled pressure on Gas counterpart Darrell Clarke as their relegation fears deepened.

Manchester City academy product Snowdon gave Rovers a mountain to climb in the 16th minute with a stunning 35-yard drive.

The lead was doubled after 28 minutes as former Rovers midfielder Clarke flicked in Aston Villa loanee Finley Munroe’s near-post corner.

Drinan took advantage of chaotic defending in the 33rd minute, curling in from 15 yards before being booked for goading Rovers fans.

But it went from bad to worse for the home side three minutes later as centre-back Kacper Lopata was dismissed for a reckless tackle on Gavin Kilkenny.

Swindon lost momentum when reduced to 10 men as Drinan was shown a second yellow card for simulation in the opposition box.

It ensured Clarke was spared further humiliation until the final whistle was greeted by a chorus of boos and chants.