SEVERAL tactical changes made by Phil Brown prior to Saturday’s tie at Notts County were initially evaluated as an error in the eyes of the Swindon Town boss.

Brown made five tactical tweaks to his starting XI with regular first team members Elijah Adebayo, Keshi Anderson and Stevan Alzate all relegated to the bench with Martin Smith, Jak McCourt and Jermaine McGlashan all preferred.

The drastic changes initially paid few dividends, with Town stopper Lawrence Vigouroux forced into making a series of early saves – which ultimately made Town’s first League Two win in five weeks a possibility.

Two chances for Martin Smith 10 minutes before the conclusion of the first half sparked Town into life, though.

Despite falling a goal behind, Town controlled possession in the second half and proved persistent in defence – making regular interceptions and running at what turned into a lacklustre County defence.

Early play prompted alarm bells for Brown, who admitted after the final whistle that he initially thought his tactical changes were ‘worked out’ by Notts County boss Harry Kewell.

Brown said: “It was difficult, we were playing away from home and I know the style of football that Harry Kewell (Notts County manager) likes to play.

“When he changed that style from minute one I thought I’d dropped a clanger.

“But we got a foothold in the game and Michael (Doughty) did his part.

“I knew at times they (Notts County) do go into stead quite early, therefore having a best second ball midfield – regains coming back from strikers and centre halves – was going to be key.

“I thought (our midfield) were the better three, as oppose to Toumani (Diagouraga).

“We wanted to be on the front foot with James (Dunne), Jak (McCourt) and Martin (Smith).

“It’s a case of ‘can we get the ball towards Michael Doughty’ and the supporters were probably looking at one striker when I announced my team selection.

“Jak McCourt has potency in his shot though, and so does Martin Smith. James Dunne is getting on the end of things too.

“But, more importantly, Michael Doughty is in that team and he’s a goalscoring midfield player.”

Spirit and morale in the dressing room ran parallel with the confidence levels of central defender Olly Lancashire, who came under heavy criticism from fans during last week’s mid-week home tie against Cambridge United.

Lancashire, who admitted after the game that he never listens to outside voices, received the backing of Town boss Brown before, during and after Saturday’s win.

And his calmness and leadership qualities shone through at Meadow Lane, with Brown stating he will always back his skipper.

“I thought Olly (Lancashire) led the team as a captain should do,” said Brown.

“He stayed composed when we went a goal behind, and he’s playing alongside a young lad that needs help.

“He’s not a shouter, but the information he gives to people is a sign of a great captain – not just a good captain.

“He doesn’t need any more support from me, he will get that every time that I pick him.”