SWINDON Town manager Richie Wellens lauded his side’s first-half performance as they continued their superb away form in 2019 with a 3-2 win at Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

The victory at Stadium MK was Town’s third from three games on the road in League Two since the turn of the year and makes it five away games unbeaten overall.

Town dominated the early proceedings but only led 1-0 at the break through a Michael Doughty strike.

Jake Hesketh levelled for Dons on the hour, but Keshi Anderson immediately restored Swindon’s lead after the restart.

Doughty pushed Town’s advantage to 3-1 from the penalty spot and although Kieran Agard’s late goal gave the visitors a few scares, Wellens’ side held on.

The Town chief was delighted with the early promise his side showed at Stadium MK, particularly in stifling the threats that MK offered up themselves.

“In the first half, we were very, very good,” said Wellens.

“MK Dons are probably the best team in the league at putting crosses into the box and getting balls in dangerous areas and scoring goals from it, but it was 38 minutes before they put their first cross in.

“In terms of territory, that shows we had a lot of the game. On the counter-attack, we should have scored more goals and our passing was really good.

“It was a really good performance in the first half but in the second half, it became a basketball game.

“They countered us too many times and in the last 15 minutes, they had four up front and were shelling long balls in and it was difficult to defend.

“The second goal gave them a lifeline, and in the end, we are just trying to see it out.”

Doughty drew particular praise from Wellens, with the Town chief impressed by his all-round contribution alongside his two-goal heroics.

“Michael Doughty was outstanding, not only because he got two goals, but he played so many clever passes that got us out of situations,” said Wellens.

“Michael scored a similar goal to his one at Tranmere when we won the ball high up.

“His finish was class. He unbalanced in the keeper and he has got that in his locker, we see it every day in training.

“The penalty was a bonus, but forget the goals, his general play and his work-rate, his defensive positions – which is the most important thing for me – was very good.”