MANAGER Phil Brown has labelled the club’s 4-1 win over Swindon Supermarine as ‘important’ as they continue their preparation for the new League Two season.

Town fell behind in the opening 45 minutes when Joe Selman was able to find the back of the net, however, Swindon were able to turn things around.

Supermarine defender Matt Coupe levelled the score with an own goal, before Michael Doughty marked his return with a goal.

Teenager Scott Twine topped up the score with a brace, including a spectacular goal deep into the second instalment.

Brown says fitness had a large part to play in the win, as Town were forced to come from behind at the Webbswood Stadium.

“A lot of it came down to fitness and in pre-season I do harp on about fitness levels and how results don’t matter,” said Brown.

“If we lost to Swindon Supermarine, it would have mattered to me because we are looking for that winning edge in the final week of preparation for the Macclesfield game.

“No disrespect to them but we should be beating Swindon Supermarine. I was talking to their manager (Lee Spalding) before the game about budgets and it is a far cry from where we are at.

“So, we should be coming through with our quality in the second half, but our fitness levels came through too in the end.”

Midfielder Doughty made a goal-scoring return when he notched in the second half of the game and Brown says he is impressed with the quality the 25-year-old possesses.

The former Queens Park Rangers man burst his eardrum earlier this week, but that didn’t prevent him playing the full 90 minutes.

Fellow midfielders Jak McCourt and Toumani Diagouraga also got a full game under their belts as competition for places hots up in the middle of the park.

“It was the first time I have witnessed what Michael Doughty can do on a field of play,” said Brown.

“I have always been up against him as an opposition manager so it is nice to be on the same side as Michael because he can play.

“We have good competition for places in midfield.”