RECORD gate receipts and an electric atmosphere provided Swindon Town's chief executive with reasons to smile despite defeat.

Saturday's FA Cup clash against Coventry City generated £175,175, beating the previous record of £149,371 set when Town entertained Bolton in the 1995 League Cup semi-final first leg.

Mr Rowe said: "It is excellent news for the club. You could not really ask for any more from people," he said.

The chief executive said the extra cash would certainly provide the club with some more breathing space.

"It was fantastic to hear Come on You Reds being sung. I would urge people to come back on Saturday. Let's have this atmosphere every week."

As the fans began to fill up the stadium, they were encouraged to pump up the volume.

Mr Rowe said the support of the Swindon public was crucial.

"The message has to be that with your support we can get it right."

He said the response to the Evening Advertiser Paint The Town Red scheme had been wonderful.

During the build-up to Saturday's clash, more than six thousand red cards were printed with the slogans Come On You Town and Goal printed on the respective sides.

The idea generated a tremendous response and the Nationwide Stand in particular was positively brimming with cards as the match kicked off.

"It really made an impressive sight to see all those cards being waved as the teams came out," said Mr Rowe.

Saturday's guest of honour was former Town and Coventry star Ernie Hunt.

He soaked up the applause from both sets of supporters."It's a shame Swindon couldn't force a draw," said Ernie.

Click here for our gallery of action-packed shots from the game