SWINDON Town head coach Luke Williams has taken heart from his team’s spirit in defeat against Sheffield United and is adamant their race is not run yet in the battle to avoid relegation from league One.

Town travel to Bradford City tomorrow seven points from safety as a result of Tuesday’s 4-2 loss to the Blades, although elements of that performance have strengthened Williams’ hope that they can still turn their fortunes around.

The hosts were out of it at half-time against the league leaders as they trailed 2-0 but two goals in seven second-half minutes brought them back level, although they ultimately fell away again before the final whistle.

Mistakes were what cost Town against United as they accounted for two of the visitors’ goals but having seen his side show all of their battling qualities against the best side in the division, Williams is sure they can go toe-to-toe with anyone else.

“If we can score two goals against that opposition, and play with determination and not make stupid mistakes; we were 2-0 down to the best team and we took the game to them, and then another stupid mistake leaves us fighting to get back on terms,” said Williams.

“If we can have that attitude, without the mistakes, we can beat anybody in the division, for sure.

“The fans, first and foremost, want to see us win. If we don’t win, the next thing we have to do is show we are running around for them hard. They want to see us with endeavour and leave everything on the pitch.

“It’s fair to say that the players did that on Tuesday and I think they have been doing that in recent weeks.”

With the mini revival of late February – where Town picked up seven points in three games – now a distant memory after three defeats on the spin, morale in the Swindon camp is understandably low.

However, Williams says he will never stop trying to raise spirits and galvanise his troops while there is still time to complete a successful rescue act.

“If it’s my job to try to pull this off, or help and be part of that, then I am up for that, and will fight until the very last moment,” said Williams.

“When you are where you are, the pressure is immense and the confidence takes a shelling.

“It is my job to try to keep finding a way, if I can, to motivate the players, to give them some key information, and push them on in the right way, and try to encourage them.

“I think I have proved this season and last season that I can at least attempt to rally the team.

“I believe – I am sure other people have a different opinion – when we have had a terrible result or a terrible performance, I have tried to demonstrate that I can lift the team and try to get more out of them.”