Jack Moylan marked his Cardiff City debut in dream fashion, scoring the late winner to send the Bluebirds into the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Yousef Salech had twice found the net as Cardiff came from behind to lead, only for Swindon to level again through Paul Glatzel.
But Moylan's 77th-minute strike settled a thrilling 3-2 contest and gave Brian Barry-Murphy's side the perfect start to their competitive campaign.
Player ratings
Nathan Trott 6 – Had little chance with Millard's deflected opener and was otherwise largely untroubled, although Swindon's second goal left him with no chance as well.
Ronan Kpakio 5 – Showed flashes going forward and got into some promising positions, but was guilty of several misplaced passes which invited unnecessary pressure on Cardiff.
Perry Ng 6 – Had to deputise at centre-back and produced some steady moments, including an important clearance early in the second half, although Swindon's attacking threat made it an uncomfortable afternoon at times.
Gabriel Osho 7 – A composed and commanding presence at the back, with a superb early tackle to deny Tom Nichols and a strong piece of defending to stop a Swindon break late on.
Joel Bagan 6 – Defended well when required, notably with a superb sliding block to deny Millard, while also offering a useful outlet from left-back.
Midfield dominance
Alex Robertson 8 (star man) – One of Cardiff's most influential performers, dictating play in midfield and regularly driving the team forward, including a superb first-time effort from 20 yards and a brilliant turn to release Turnbull after half-time.
David Turnbull 7 – Busy and inventive in midfield, combining well with his team-mates and coming close with a sliding effort before playing the incisive pass which sent Ashford through on goal.
Attacking threat
Cian Ashford 8 – A constant attacking threat, showing excellent quality in possession and producing a brilliant outside-of-the-boot cross for Salech's second goal before rattling the crossbar himself.
Ollie Tanner 7 – Lively throughout his time on the pitch, with his movement and delivery causing Swindon problems and several neat combinations helping Cardiff create openings.
Yousef Salech 8 – The two-goal hero before Moylan stole the headlines, calmly converting from the penalty spot before producing an excellent volley to put Cardiff ahead again before half-time.
Isaak Davies 7 – Worked hard and helped create the equaliser by forcing the handball that earned Cardiff their penalty, although he was unable to make a major impact before being withdrawn.
Substitutes
Joel Colwill 6 – Added some energy after replacing Turnbull and played his part in the move that preceded Moylan's winner, although he was booked late on.
Chris Willock 7 – Offered Cardiff a greater threat in behind after replacing Davies, beating his man on a couple of occasions and coming close to creating a goal with a dangerous cross.
Jack Moylan 8 – A dream debut, making an immediate impact before firing home Cardiff's winner and later producing a huge block at the other end to protect the lead.
