Ged Scott
BBC Sport at Vale Park

Image source, Getty Images

The ugly grey cloud has now cleared from the now almost obligatory smoke canister goal celebration.

The roof has stayed on, despite the near deafening roar that greeted James Wilson’s early strike. And the game has settled down a bit, along with the atmosphere. Even the Swindon fans can now be heard too!

The only question that still needs answering is just how did Wilson miss that first chance? And how did he get another almost identical chance to make amends quite so soon after?

That must make a few home fans think that fate must be on their side here?

Swindon manager Ben Garner is celebrating his 40th birthday tonight.

So far, this match is not going to be going the way he would have wanted.

The Port Vale fans call for a foul from Mandela Egbo as the ball comes towards the Swindon box again, but the referee waves it away.

Steve Hale
Ex-Swindon goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Wiltshire

I can't see Port Vale continuing this intensity for 90 minutes. Swindon need to see this out and make sure they don't fall behind.

Adam Yates
Former Vale defender on BBC Radio Stoke

It's an unbelievable attempt from Nathan Smith. It's the last thing you would expect him to do in that position.

Almost 2-0! What a shot that was from Nathan Smith.

On the turn and out of nowhere he sends a flying effort at goal. Lewis Ward dives to his left but the ball just hits the far post and goes out, saving Swindon from falling behind in the tie.

Swindon might be the top goal scoring team in League Two but we're almost 20 minutes in and they're yet to have a shot at goal.

Port Vale are doing really well at containing their threat so far.

Adam Yates
Former Vale defender on BBC Radio Stoke

Swindon have started to settle into the game now as the intensity has dropped from Vale, as you would expect.

That's not a bad thing, it just means Vale need to keep their shape.

Image source, PA Media

Port Vale are still finding lots of gaps in the Swindon defence and are breaking down the pitch quickly.

Louie Barry gives away a free-kick for a tackle on David Worrall and Swindon are on the back-foot again.

Worrall gets a free header, but he can't direct it on target.

Ben Garrity goes down after a tackle from Jonny Williams and he stays down for a while as play continues around him, much to the dismay of the home crowd as nothing is given by the referee.

He finally gets back to his feet though, Vale fans will be pleased to hear.

Swindon need to get a hold of this match.

They win a free kick deep inside Port Vale's half, but it ping pongs around the box before Vale eventually clear the danger.

Steve Hale
Ex-Swindon goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Wiltshire

That's not what Swindon fans wanted. It was disappointing defending from Swindon and they need to sharpen up in that area.

It's the dream start that Port Vale wanted. Swindon need to ride out the storm.

Swindon have barely touched the ball so far.

They finally get a bit of possession and Mandela Egbo crosses it into the box and there's a massive call for hand ball from the entire Robins side.

The referee waves it away though.

Steve Hale
Ex-Swindon goalkeeping coach on BBC Radio Wiltshire

How Wilson has missed that I really don't know. Maybe the footballing Gods are with Swindon this evening.

It's really important that Swindon stay calm. They are going to be attacked by Port Vale and they need to ride out the storm.

What a miss!

James Wilson isn't going to get many better chances than that to score for Port Vale. He's inches in front of the Swindon goal at the far post, but somehow sends the ball wide after Kian Harratt nodded the ball back across.

Huge let off for Swindon there.

Adam Yates
Former Vale defender on BBC Radio Stoke

It's been a really good start by the home side, Swindon have not been able to get out of their half.

Another Vale free kick, this time for a challenge on David Worrall on the far right of Swindon's half.

Captain Tom Pett crosses it in, but James Wilson's header goes high and misses the target and doesn't trouble Lewis Ward in the Swindon goal.

If Darrell Clarke wanted a fast start from Port Vale, then he's got it.

They win a very, very early free kick inside the Swindon half. James Wilson whips it into the box but Harry McKirdy clears the danger.

Adam Yates
Former Vale defender on BBC Radio Stoke

It's who's got more guts, who's got the desire to win.

The referee blows his whistle and we are officially under way at Vale Park.