SWINDON Town U18s boss Alan McLoughlin was pleased but not surprised by the performance of the club's development side in their 8-2 victory against Milton Keynes Dons in the Central League at the Energy Check County Ground this afternoon.

The result lifted Town off the bottom of the South West Division as Forest Green were relegated to fifth on goal difference, with Swindon jumping to fourth.

McLoughlin was boosted by the availability of several first-team players, including Joe Romanski, Ben Purkiss, Donal McDermott, Paul Mullin and Kaiyne Woolery.

A tame opening half-hour saw only Town threaten, as Purkiss almost scored a freak goal when his searching cross from the right crashed against the Dons crossbar on eight minutes.

McDermott and Woolery threatened Ethan Wallbank’s goal in the next 25 minutes before McDermott cleverly chipped the visiting keeper following a short corner to break the deadlock on 38 minutes.

Mullin doubled Town’s lead before Kayne Roberts struck one of the best goals the County Ground has seen this season when finding the top corner from 30 yards out, giving Town keeper Will Henry little chance.

Town’s precious one-goal lead at half-time was quickly stretched as six goals in the space of 30 minutes extended the home side’s advantage.

Mullin, Jordan Young, Sol Pryce and Woolery (2) all found the net as Swindon led 8-1 with 10 minutes to play.

Milton Keynes left Wiltshire with another consolation goal when Roberts bagged his second of the game.

A pleased McLoughlin said: “We must look at the context of the opposition, they weren’t as strong as MK Dons would normally be.

“It was evident within the game that they had a lot of trialists thrown together.

“Once Donal (McDermott) scored the first, it was plain sailing for us.

“I expected us to win, particularly with so many first-team players available.”

McLoughlin explained not having senior heads at his disposal has proved a problem this season.

But new boss Phil Brown, who watched today’s win, is keen for first-team players not featuring on the pitch at the weekend to have an impact in the reserve games.

McLoughlin said: “This was only the third game where I’ve had senior pros.

“The youth team, as well as playing all their own fixtures, have had to play these games too. It has been difficult at times, but good experience.

“Playing in front of the manager has been good too. Some of them have done themselves proud and set a thought in his mind – it’s difficult for him to see them on a regular basis. It’s only word of mouth.

“It’s nice for Phil (Brown) to visually see the players I speak about week in, week out.”

Town: Henry (GK), Purkiss (C), Romanski, Giamattei, Spalding, Linganzi, Smith, McDermott, Young, Mullin, Woolery.

Subs: Matthews, Rejek, Haines, Edwards, Pryce.