RICHIE Wellens praised Swindon Town’s fight and spirit after they survived Plymouth Argyle’s late charge to earn a point from a lively game at the Energy Check County Ground on Saturday that ended 1-1.

Eoin Doyle notched Town’s only goal of the game at the end of the first half, but Argyle’s second half pressure told as Joel Grant linked play with impact substitute Jose Baxter to equalise.

The game saw new signing Dion Donohue make his Swindon Town debut at left back, while goalkeeper Steven Benda made his Football League bow.

Gabriel Zakuani – who signed last week to cover for the injured Dion Conroy – also made his home debut.

With the above in mind, Wellens wasn’t grumbled by his side letting their half time lead slip.

However the 39-year-old was critical of Town’s lack of energy and speed in the game’s concluding 20 minutes.

He said: “We showed fight, and we showed spirit. “I thought we were outstanding in the first half, the pressure and the intensity we played at was great.

“It was a great game, both sets of fans were brilliant.

“But the reason why we haven’t got three points is energy.

“We didn’t have that counterattacking energy or speed in the second half. But I’m pleased.

“We’ve been in a bit of a rut, and the most important thing to do when that happens is to stay organised – and I think we did that.

“We deserved a point. We had chances at the end, but Plymouth’s substitutes were good.

“Once our energy filtered out, Plymouth played in pockets and caused us problems.”

Donohue’s arrival at SN1 follows his sacking by former club Mansfield in September for his arrest on suspicion of assault.

The 26-year-old was arrested in August following an incident with two men which left one requiring treatment in hospital.

Having failed to secure the former Everton defender’s signature during the summer, Wellens jumped at the opportunity to sign Donohue when he became available.

He added: “Zeki Fryers is injured, and Ellis Iandolo is struggling – he would’ve played left back today if we didn’t have Dion.

“I tried to sign him in the summer, but he cost too much money and ended up going to Mansfield.

“Situations arose, so we’ve now got him. I think people can see he is an accomplished footballer.

“I want to give him some confidence now and a platform to build on. His fitness will improve, but he has a brilliant left foot.”