SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft felt his side proved their mettle in a gutsy 1-0 win at home to League Two high-flyers Notts County this afternoon.

Luke Norris got the only goal of the game in the opening minute of the second half at the Energy Check County Ground to ensure Town signed off for 2017 on a triumphant note.

Town were returning to action for the first time since their spectacular second-half collapse at home to Luton Town on Boxing Day, where they were thumped 5-0 by the league leaders.

However, Swindon were full of battling spirit against County and after controlling much of the contest, dug deep in the latter stages to secure the three points.

“I think the players stuck to the task in hand,” said Flitcroft.

“Whereas against Luton where just after half-time we decided to come off-task, today we saw it through.

“It shows you the character within the squad to get so much stick after the Luton game – and rightly so – to then come and stand and fight as one and be very united on the pitch. That is what pleases me most about the group.

“Reice (Charles-Cook) had one save to make all game and he focused on it and made a wonderful save as he wanted to protect his clean sheet that he absolutely deserved.”

The win was just a fifth on home soil for Town in 2017-18 and Flitcroft was thrilled with the response his troops provided to the previous calamity against Luton four days prior.

“As the home form has built up, managers will be coming to our place and see it as the Achilles heel, the disparity (in form) is glaringly obvious,” said Flitcroft.

“We almost have to not worry about the outcome and just stick to the task and stick to the focus of duties.

“When I watched the Luton game back, it taught me so much. In the second half, we were all over the show – defragmented and disorganised.

“It was really important we showed the group that and by staying on-task and staying functionally and structurally good then you will have an opportunity to win football matches and that’s what we did.”