CAPTAIN Olly Lancashire has spoken highly of no-nonsense central defender Sid Nelson in the wake of Swindon Town’s Tuesday night defeat against Crewe Alexandra.

Loanee Nelson again proved himself to be a charismatic figure in Town’s back four, this time alongside Lancashire plus right-back Luke Woolfenden and left-back Joe Romanski – who played in the absence of the suspended Matt Taylor.

Despite the defeat, Swindon’s defensive record is something that continues to please manager Phil Brown – who has watched his men concede just four goals in their last seven competitive fixtures.

While Lancashire admits Town’s performances of late in the final third aren’t quite matching the efforts in defence, the 29-year-old hopes fortunes can be turned tomorrow when Swindon welcome Northampton Town to the Energy Check County Ground for their latest League Two contest.

Lancashire said: “Sid (Nelson) is a great character, we got on well both on and off the pitch – I think that helps.

“When me and Sid have played together we haven’t conceded many goals, we complement each other.

“Tuesday night’s goal was sloppy. Luke (McCormick) got a hand to it but pushed it onto Joe (Romanski) before it hit the post and went in.

“It’s one of those hard ones to take, especially as we wanted another clean sheet.

“But we’ll work hard on the training pitch so hopefully Saturday against Northampton can be a positive result for us.”

Meanwhile Lancashire praised the commitment and work ethic of new first-choice goalkeeper Luke McCormick – who continues to enjoy a positive run between the sticks.

McCormick, one of 10 new additions to the Town squad made by Brown over the summer months, has four clean sheets under his belt from six games since taking the role from Lawrence Vigouroux in early September.

“Luke has had a great career,” said Lancashire. “Having him behind us not only helps the back four but it helps the team.

“He’s a settled person, that can only be of benefit to everyone.”