KYLE Knoyle feels the ending of Swindon Town’s two-month wait for a clean sheet bodes well for their promotion aspirations over the final five games of the season.

Town’s goalless draw at home to Carlisle United on Saturday marked their first shut-out since February 10 as well as first under new boss Phil Brown.

Former Hull City manager Brown has put an emphasis on defensive resolve since taking over at the Energy Check County Ground back on March 12, believing that to be the cornerstone on which to build a successful quest to finish in the League Two play-off places.

Although Town have collected just six points from Brown’s five matches at the helm, Knoyle believes the team’s solid rear-guard effort against Carlisle is a significant marker on which to kick on over the campaign’s run-in, starting at home to Yeovil Town this evening.

“First and foremost on Saturday, we were pleased to come away with a clean sheet. That is something we have been working towards,” said full-back Knoyle.

“It is frustrating not to win, but in the last three games, we have been picking up points and a point is better than nothing.

“I thought we played well, it’s just that a goal was the only thing missing from the game.

“The clean sheet is definitely a big thing and if we had got a clean sheet in the two games before that we drew, we would have won them comfortably.

“That is the base. Get the clean sheet and from there, it is up to us to go ahead and win the game.”

Town head into tonight’s match against the Glovers down in ninth in the table, two points outside the play-off places.

Although recent chances to close that gap have slipped them by, Knoyle says there is no shortage of belief in the camp that they can get the job done.

“This part of the season is the business end of the season and the part that matters,” said Knoyle.

“Pressure-wise, the more it goes on, the more pressure builds up, but we feel confident that we can pick up points in the next games and get to the goal that we want to get to.”

Knoyle is coming to the end of his first season at Town, having joined last summer after his release by West Ham United.

After having to wait until October 31 to make his debut due to injury, the 21-year-old is finishing the campaign with a flourish and has started nine of the team’s last 11 fixtures.

“I have enjoyed it. It has been a season full of different emotions and I have had to deal with loads of different situations but I am pleased with how it has gone,” said Knoyle.

“I have definitely learned a lot during the season and I am happy to be finishing strong.

“I have learned to deal with set-backs. I got injured to begin with and had to be patient so patience is the biggest thing. Patience to get my opportunity and to take my opportunity when it comes.

“I have had spells where I have been playing for a while and then out of the team and back in.

“The period when I am out of the team I have to be at my strongest and be focussed and prepared for when my next chance comes, and then to take it.”