IT WASN'T pretty, but Swindon Town moved to within one win of securing promotion back to League One yesterday with a 1-0 victory over Northampton on a difficult afternoon at the County Ground.

Driving wind made things tough for both sides in the first half, but Lee Holmes’ cross-cum-shot found its way into the back of the Northampton net seven minutes into the second period, and the Town defence stood firm once again to grind out another victory.

The three points leave Town 10 clear of Crawley in fourth, and a win at home to Plymouth next Saturday will secure promotion if the Red Devils lose to AFC Wimbledon on the same day.

While the win was not spectacular, it was comfortable, and Town boss Paolo Di Canio was pleased with the way his side performed despite admitting they were not at their best. “It is not easy in this moment of the season, but the lads were very professional and tried to give their best, and we won which is the main thing,” he said.

“We are in better form than the other teams, Northampton looked a little fitter than the other teams who have come here, but they were struggling.

“My team put in a good performance, but it was not fantastic, but we will be okay now because we do not play in the next three days, and maybe we can give a better performance in our next match.”

While the performance was often lacking any real quality, most of Town’s forward progress came through match-winner Holmes, and Di Canio was pleased with the on-loan winger’s performance.

“He will always go one-on-one, which is why I like him, sometimes he can lose but this is the type of player I want,” Di Canio said.

“You can not win every time, but if he does it 80 per cent of the time this is crucial for us.

“I do not know if he meant to score a goal like this, but when you put in balls like he did you cause problems for defenders. It happened today, and the way he moved his opponent and delivered the ball was amazing.”

It was clear from the moment the driving wind began to howl that the game was not going to be a classic, and after a cagey opening 10 minutes the first chance came as Holmes cut inside and drilled in a low shot which visiting keeper Neal Kitson tipped wide at his near post.

The wind played its part in the contest for the first time seconds later, when Anthony Charles’ long free-kick almost caught Wes Foderingham out, but the keeper did well to turn the ball over.

Holmes soon went close again as he cut in from the right flank and fired towards goal, but Northampton captain Clarke Carlisle managed to head the ball behind for one of Town’s many first-half corners.

The Town faithful were unhappy with the amount of short corners Town were taking, but one soon brought about a chance, but Benson could not head on target.

The veteran soon had another chance after turning his mind well in the box, but again fired straight at the keeper. Ronan Murray charged down Kitson’s attempted kick, but the keeper scrabbled back to thwart the danger.

Town came out after a goalless first half looking to up the tempo, and were soon rewarded as Holmes cut in once again and put the ball into the back post, where it found its way through everyone to nestle in the back of the net.

In truth the Town lead was never really in danger, although Kelvin Langmead did threaten a quick response but headed wide.

Raffa De Vita’s introduction saw Town push forward in search of a second, and the Italian combined well with Jay McEveley before the full-back lost control as he surged into the box.

Benson and Connell both had late chances before Brett Williams squandered one for the visitors, and even though Northampton sent defenders Langmead and Byron Webster in search of an equaliser, Town held firm to take another vital win.