Oldham Manager Iain Dowie saluted the performance of captain Lee Duxbury after he had earned his side an eighth successive win at the County Ground.
Duxbury turned smartly in the penalty area in the sixth minute before dispatching a low shot past goalkeeper Bart Griemink to give his side the lead.
The Oldham star was then required to play as an emergency defender after Julian Baudet's 43rd minute dismissal and Duxbury rose to the challenge to earn the plaudits of his manager.
Iain Dowie said: "He was a immense and was a colossus throughout, I don't want to single out players because they were all very brave in a great performance for us but he was tremendous and is one of the best pro's I've ever worked with."
Duxbury was pressed in to action at the back after Baudet saw red for a professional foul on Town's Danny Invincibile in the centre circle.
Swindon failed to press home their numerical advantage, leaving their supporters chanting for manager Andy King to be sacked long before the final whistle.
Their best moments came in the space of 6 minutes through on loan Tottenham midfielder Johnnie Jackson and Captain Andy Gurney, but Oldham goalkeeper Leslie Poglaicomi was equal to the task on both occasions.
Invincibile wasted a good chance in injury time to level the scores when he dragged his shot wide from 12 yards out.
Dutch striker Clyde Winjhard was a constant threat at the other end and Griemink had to be at his best to deny him on three separate occasions