PAOLO Di Canio was relieved to see Swindon collect all three points from their 'last direct confrontation' with an automatic promotion rival to strengthen their place at the top of League Two.

Paul Benson's 35th minute strike was enough to secure a 1-0 win for the Robins over Cheltenham at the County Ground this afternoon.

It could have been different had the visitors scored a penalty five minutes before Town took the lead, but Wes Foderingham guessed the right way to save Daryl Duffy's spot kick.

The victory has moved Town nine points clear of Cheltenham and eight clear of second-place Shrewsbury.

“It was a massive victory for us because it was the last direct confrontation for us with a rival for automatic promotion," said Di Canio.

“We had some luck but we also had a fantastic goalkeeper and we scored a fantastic goal, so that was the difference.”

After the final whistle, Di Canio walked out onto the pitch and held a Swindon Town scarf aloft, just as he had done at Oxford seven days earlier.

“The fans are amazing, every game they follow us at home they are here in amazing numbers," he added.

"It is the time to give them satisfaction and celebrate with them.

“I feel hurt when we lose important games like Oxford, so now was the time to celebrate and feel the togetherness. With this we can go up.”