The game got off to a bad start for Swindon with Bristol City being awarded a penalty in the 3rd minute after a handball by Sean O'Hanlon. Scott Murray took the penalty, and Tom Heaton saved it, but the penalty had to be retaken as Heaton was said to have moved before the ball was kicked. Heaton came close to making a second save, but Murray just managed to beat him giving Bristol City the 1-0 lead.
Swindon then started playing well, and equalised on 12 minutes when they were awarded a free kick just outside the box which was taken by Gurney who instead of going for goal passed the ball sideways to the unmarked McDermott who scored from the edge of the area.
Bristol City made two early first half subs with both ex Swindon players Grant Smith and Matt Heywood who both left Swindon in the summer making their first returns to the club.
Andy Gurney came close to getting a Swindon winner with a free kick whcih unlike the earlier one sailed just over the bar as he took it directly rather than passing it sideways.
Swindon had most of the play during the first half, a Bouazza only had the 'keeper to beat when he was fouled by Bristol City's Osel Sankofa just outside the box. The City player was shown the red card, and Gurney again come close to scoring with the resulting free kick.
On 31 minutes Swindon took the lead thanks to Rory Fallon who scored from inside the area with his 9th goal of the season so far.
Swindon pushed forward for a third goal, but ran out of time before half time.
In the second half Bristol City had a lot more of the ball, and at times looked as if they would equalise with Tom Heaton having to make a few more good saves.
Christian Roberts came off the bench replaing Michael Pook, but he failed to score against his old club. Swindon held on to take all 3 points for the first time since the end of August.
Overall a real game of two halfs with nearly all the action taking place in the first half which was an exiting half to watch, with the second half being a lot more average with limited chances on goal from either side. Swindon derserved the win but are still bottom, now only 3 points behind Bristol City.
Swindon go into Wednesday night's FA Cup replay away to Boston six games unbeaten in the league and cup.