RICHIE Wellens has encouraged his Swindon Town players to take inspiration from Kyle Bennett’s goal against Colchester United on Saturday, adding that he doesn’t want them to search for the perfect goal and nothing less.

A midfield tackle from James Dunne, amid Colchester’s attempt to counter-attack, granted Bristol Rovers loanee Bennett possession 35-yards from goal.

With no option to his left, right or in front, Bennett ambitiously tried his luck from 25 yards out.

Visiting goalkeeper, Rene Gilmartin, positioned on the six-yard line, could only parry the midfielder’s effort into his bottom left corner – sparking scenes of jubilation on the terraces as Town wrapped up their fifth win in eight matches.

And manager Wellens now wants to see more of that ambition and confidence in their ability from his other forwards – stating he will never criticise a player for trying their luck if the chance is there.

He said: “If Kyle Bennett blazes that third goal over the crossbar, I’m not going to have a go at him because we are taking opportunities to score.

“It frustrates me when we turn down opportunities, and instead look for the perfect opportunity to score.

“There are all kinds of ways of scoring goals – whether it be from one yard, 30 yards and it flies into the top corner, deflections or by shooting through people.

“We’ve got to get more different goals, and I’m pleased with Kyle’s goal because he has taken the opportunity to score. If you don’t shoot, you don’t score.”

Bennett’s time on the pitch was a result of Wellens’ decision to rest Keshi Anderson – who had started in every one of Town’s eight games since the turn of the new year.

Resting key players seems to be one of several elements at the forefront of Wellens’ mind, with the Town boss adding that returning midfielder Toumani Diagouraga will be required in the coming weeks as Town face two Saturday-Tuesday fixtures in a month.

He said: “I just want to freshen things up. I was watching the Arsenal game at Tottenham before our kick-off, and (Pierre-Emerick) Aubameyang – the third highest goalscorer in the league – was rested.

“When Keshi came off the bench, he was a threat. You can’t play 90 minutes every week and expect to be at top level, you need bringing out every now and then.

“I would’ve liked to give Toumani a bit more time, but I felt none of the midfield players deserved to come off.

“I’m conscious of getting him minutes, because we are going to need him in the coming weeks.

“Jacob (Bancroft) has done great in training in the last 10 days. It’s tough on Marc Richards because I want to get him on the pitch and keep him ticking over.

“It was a good chance to get an academy graduate on the pitch, and he deserves his debut because he’s trained well.”