SWINDON Town head coach Scott Lindsey believes his side’s bouncebackability speaks volumes about the kind of players he has at his disposal.
Swindon responded to a 2-1 defeat against Northampton Town at the County Ground last weekend by returning to winning ways immediately, courtesy of a 1-0 success at home to Newport County in midweek.
The Robins’ record following a defeat, in all competitions, this season stands at three draws and a win, suggesting Town know how to respond to adversity – a trait which will serve them well in pushing for a top-seven spot.
Speaking after the win over Newport on Tuesday night, Lindsey shifted praise from his coaching staff to the group of players which he insists drive their own high standards.
He said: “Our record after a defeat says a lot about the group, and that was probably up there as one of our best games overall.
“We’ve got a really good group in there with good leaders and good people in the dressing room. People who won’t accept mediocre professionalism.
“We have people who really step up, and if there is a bit of sloppiness or they feel there is a chance that we could lose two in a row, the lads are on it straight away. They’re so on it, and they seem like they’ve really got the bit between their teeth.
“Once we’ve lost a game, they demand that we win the next one themselves without me needing to say anything – that’s testament to them.”
Part of the reason Town enjoyed so much success against Newport in terms of chances was down to the influence of Ronan Darcy.
The young midfielder produced at least four long-range shots on target, with one being an assist of sorts for Luke Jephcott’s winner.
Discussing the tactical tweak that helped Darcy play a crucial role in the win, Lindsey said: “We felt that by playing two pivots in Louis Reed and Ben Gladwin, and putting Darcy further forward up against Robbie Wilmot, he would end up in spaces off the back of Wilmot.
“Did I ask him to shoot every time he got the ball? No, of course not, but he ended up in those areas just based on how we set up, so that was pleasing.”
Another tactical question posed to Town’s head coach was around defending one-on-one following a turnover.
Lindsey stated he has total faith in his defenders and said the risky move is one the staff are all comfortable with.
He said: “All good possession-based teams have to be able to defend one v one. We’re happy to do that.
“I’d back Mathieu Baudry or Tom Clayton to defend on the half-way line one v one all day long.”
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