PHIL Brown felt Swindon Town’s victory at Morecambe marked the passing off some important tests for his side early in the new season.

Town’s 1-0 win at the Globe Arena represented both their first clean sheet and maiden success on the road in the 2018-19 campaign as they made it five league games without defeat.

After consecutive draws away at Crawley Town and Forest Green Rovers, as well as at home to Milton Keynes Dons last weekend, Swindon’s latest win fires them back into the top seven and within four points of the summit.

Brown was thrilled at how his side dug deep to claim the points against the Shrimps and believes it represents a significant marker for Town.

“Being hard to beat is a basis for any kind of success you are going to have,” said Brown.

“That is without jumping the gun. We are six or seven games in and hanging on the shirt-tails of the early pace-setters. We can’t let them get too far away from us if we are going to do something this year.

“Coming to Morecambe, my team talk was all about what Jim Bentley would have been praying for. He would have been praying for wind and rain, shouting the southern softie scenario.

“That is what Jim is all about, he makes the game difficult for the opposition however he can.

“Before the match, I was thinking it will be a good test for a few young lads, and it is a nice little scar to add to your CV.

“To go away to Morecambe is never easy, and to come away with a 1-0 win, you have done your job, probably both in attack and defence.”

Town had to tough it out against the Shrimps, with the sending off of Kyle Knoyle 10 minutes before the break forcing them into a mighty defensive effort to protect the lead that Elijah Adebayo had already given them.

More than 200 travelling supporters witness Swindon turn in a resolute performance and Brown was delighted to reward them with victory.

“The win was 50-50 between organisation and desire, but the desire to get over the line and put your bodies on the line is something we need 11 against 11,” said Brown.

“We have got enough quality in the team to create chances regardless of how many players on are on the field. We had the best chance of the game at Crawley nine against 11.

“It was a gritty performance, it was a hard-working desire-filled performance.

“I am delighted for the travelling fans, it is great to see so many come all the way up here. It must have been five hours and we have rewarded them with a solid strong performance.”