NICKY Ajose says Swindon Town are willing to defend from the front if it helps sustain their upturn in fortunes.

Town made it back-to-back victories in League One on Saturday with a 4-0 trouncing of Chesterfield, taking new boss Martin Ling’s points tally to nine from a possible 12 since taking over at the County Ground.

Ajose struck twice in the dominant win at the Proact Stadium, while striker partner Jon Obika also hit the back of the net, and both also made valuable contributions off-the-ball in an effort to win back possession for Town.

Fabien Robert is better known for his creative flair rather than dogged defensive work but did not shirk a challenge against the Spireites, while Anton Rodgers’ efforts in a similar vein drew praise from Ling post-match.

All that contributed to Town claiming just a second clean sheet of the season, and the first since a 1-0 success at Southend on August 22.

“We are conscious of trying to do a bit more defensively to help the boys and I feel like we probably did that a little bit more on Saturday and helped the team get in the performance they have got,” said Ajose.

“If that’s what we have got to do then we will try to do that as well.

“Fabien has a really good technique, lots of ability and he put a real good shift in on Saturday. That’s the other side of the game that we need from him, especially away from home.

“He’s set his standard there and for Anton, we all know technically he’s a wonderful player, but off the ball his work was fantastic and I’m really pleased for him, he’s a great lad.”

Town must wait until December 12 before trying to extend their winning sequence as they have no game this weekend in the FA Cup second round.

Having looked to impressive last time out, Ajose says the players are chomping at the bit to get back out on the pitch but hopes the enforced break will allow them to come out all guns blazing when the return to action against Rochdale on Saturday week.

“We’d like to play Tuesday but we can’t so we will have to use it to rest and regenerate,” added Ajose.

“We’ve had a tough spell of games so our legs will get some more work on the training field and hopefully get ready for Rochdale.”