SWINDON Town will have to be on their guard from set plays on Tuesday night as interim head coach Gavin Gunning believes opponents Stevenage are “a wrecking ball” from corners and free-kicks.

Steve Evans’ side has scored 10 of their 39 goals in League Two from dead-ball situations, although they are joint-fifth in the list of top poachers from set-pieces – two behind leaders, Walsall, Northampton Town, and Carlisle United.

The Hertfordshire outfit has the added incentive of moving to the top of League Two with a victory at the County Ground.

Gunning believes there is no better side in the division at this point and tipped his cap to his opposite number in Monday’s pre-match press conference.

Gunning said: “They’re on a great run, and they’ve had a right go this year by signing some quality players.

“Those players have brought them to the next level, and they’re who I see as the best team in the league at the minute.

“They’ve got experience all over the pitch, they’re solid, they don’t concede many goals. And they’re a wrecking ball from set plays – nobody can deal with them. Teams struggle to deal with first and second contacts.

“Steve Evans isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but he’s done a fantastic job there, so you’ve got to pat him on the back and say, “well done” to him.”

Swindon suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the Lamex Stadium earlier this season – a game in which Scott Lindsey’s men failed to compete for large portions.

With the former head coach now at Crawley Town, the Robins – led by Irishman, Gunning – plan to move the ball quickly on home soil in order to shift Stevenage out of their comfort zone.

Gunning said: “We’ve got to focus on us because we’re at home. We’ll go out there and look to dominate Stevenage.

“They’ll come here, and I’d imagine they’ll block up the middle of the pitch, but we’ll just try to play through the lines quickly, try to be open and expansive again, score lots of goals, and win the game.

“We want to avoid body contact, play at a quick tempo and don’t slow the game down. When the game slows down, you’re a massive underdog against Stevenage.

“When you keep it at a quick tempo, that’s when – from what I’ve seen when I’ve watched them – they can be hurt.”

Ahead of Tuesday night's fixture, Adver Sport understands an inspection will be carried out to ensure the pitch and stands are safe for players and supporters, respectively.