PHIL Brown has declared Swindon Town should have nothing to fear as they return to the Energy Check County Ground on Saturday to face York City in the FA Cup.

Swindon have failed to win a League Two game in front of their own supporters in their last six attempts, spanning all the way back to their dramatic 3-2 victory over Tranmere Rovers on August 18.

Looking beyond this season, Town have not been wildly successful in the FA Cup either as last year was the first time they have reached the second round since 2012.

Non-league sides have been particularly difficult to navigate for Swindon, as they suffered three defeats to opposition from outside the Football League during a run of five first-round defeats in a row.

York ply their trade in the National League North, and while some may see it as a straightforward tie, defeat for Town would only increase anger from supporters.

Despite this, Brown says he and his players should not be daunted by their return to home turf.

“I don’t fear the crowd turning against York. We take each game as it comes. The next one is the FA Cup and I’ll deal with it when it comes along,” said Brown, whose side then host Carlisle United in the league.

“We have two home games against decent opposition and we need the home fans to be behind the players, not against them.

“I know it is difficult when the expectancy level is to be promoted, but at the same time, they have to understand that the changes which have been made will take time to bed in.

“When we do get to January, then a good second half to the season isn’t an improbability.”

Following a sixth league defeat of the season at Colchester United last weekend, Brown is hoping to see a reaction from his players against York and has warned them that they cannot afford to switch off.

“We have a problem and an issue to deal with at the County Ground. With that in mind, we have to learn from what Colchester have got going at home, their resilience,” he said.

“I feel as if we have a young group of players, which is scattered with seniors, with those being Matty Taylor, Marc Richards, Olly Lancashire and James Dunne.

“It’s concentration levels. Young lads have to stay switched on for 90 minutes. Just because you’re not on the ball, it doesn’t mean you’re not in the game, you are 100 per cent in the game.”