NICKY Ajose has described tonight’s A420 derby as the ‘perfect’ game for struggling Town to revert their slump.

Ajose was dismayed at the performance he and his teammates put in at Bloomfield Road on Saturday and is relishing the chance to put things right against Oxford in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.

The derby atmosphere will undoubtedly add some spice to the contest and the 23-year-old is hoping it galvanises the team to up their game.

However, as a more experienced player in Swindon’s depleted ranks, the striker realises he has a role to play guiding his younger colleagues through the contest and trying to turn around their rough patch of form.

“We have an inexperienced bunch, so when things aren’t going your way it takes a little bit more out of you because you’re not really used to it and don’t know how to bounce back from it,” Ajose told the local media.

“Looking to Tuesday we need a massive performance there.

“All you can do in a tricky run of games is look forward, the great thing about football is that you always have another game around the corner.

“For us it’s the perfect game on Tuesday, the lads are desperate to win the game and also put ourselves up there in the league where we should be.

“Whatever game comes on Tuesday would have been a big game for us. Obviously with it being a derby it adds that extra little bit of oomph for the fans and we’re desperate to do well.

“If we can put it right there we can get on a roll. You just need that first win.

“Geographically it is a game that is close. For the fans it is a massive game, the lads are speaking about it and looking forward to it.”

Against Doncaster last Tuesday, Ajose scored just his second goal since he returned to Swindon on a free transfer at the start of September and despite his lack of opportunities in front of goal, his confidence is not dimmed.

“I know if I get chances I will score goals in this division, but I think it is clear for everyone to see we are not creating those chances,” he added.

“It’s my job, as well as others, to start creating. I think as well when you’re on these runs, things don’t bounce or fall for you.”