Bristol Rovers nearly took and early lead after only 2 minutes when they hit the bar, but the ball was cleared away to safety.
Peter Brezovan had to make a number of good saves to keep the score level at 0-0 in the first half. Christian Roberts also wasted a good chance to score with the 'keeper out of his area Roberts should have been able to score, but instead hit the ball high and wide.
In the second half Micheal Pook was fouled in the box on 65 minutes, and Swindon were awarded a penalty which Christian Roberts took and scored to make it 1-0.
On 82 minutes an off the ball incident saw Premier League referee Rob Styles hand out 3 red cards. The first to Swindon's Jerel Ifil, then he sent off Bristol Rovers Richard Walker and Steve Elliott.
Bristol Rovers then had a goal disallowed for offside, and Swindon bought on Sofiene Zaaboub replacing McGovern, but Zaaboub's stay didn't last long before he was sent off as well for a late tackle.
Swindon held on for the win before the game finally ended at 5pm after all the red cards. Swindon now take a break from league football when they play non league Forest Green Rovers at home in the FA Cup 2nd Round next Saturday.