DION Conroy has denied that the prospect of a League Two play-off push has led to distraction in the Swindon Town camp – and a loss of form as a result.

This time a week ago, Town were preparing to make the long journey north to face Carlisle United where the aim was to continue their excellent run and make it 13 points from five games.

Instead, Richie Wellens’ side returned from Cumbria with momentum stalled after a 2-1 defeat.

That was further compounded by a second loss in four days on Tuesday night as they went down 2-0 at Stevenage to fall seven points adrift of the top seven.

Having gone from one of the form teams in the division to a side badly needing a spark to re-ignite their push – which they hope will come in Saturday’s home game against Port Vale – Conroy is well aware a reaction is needed from Town on their return to the Energy Check County Ground.

However, the central defender does not think the recent dip in form is as a result of players getting ahead of themselves in regards to what they might achieve this term.

“I don’t think talk of the play-offs has hurt us,” said Conroy.

“You can put a run together and other teams can drop points. We have just got to make sure we put in a performance on Saturday.

“That is going to be a massive game now. We have just got to keep our heads up and keep moving forward.

“The play-offs are still the goal – everyone wants to get promoted.

“We need to give back to the fans. They have given us great support through the whole season.

“We are going to keep fighting until the end and hopefully get into the play-offs.”

Wellens was critical of his side’s level of performance in the midweek defeat at Stevenage, which lacked the usual intensity associated with the team since his arrival last November.

Conroy admits Town did not reach the standards they have set themselves at Broadhall Way and is keen to shake that loss off at the first opportunity against Vale.

“If you compare the way we played at the start of the season to the last two months, it has been completely different,” said Conroy.

“We have been playing really well and Tuesday was probably the first game where we haven’t been at our usual standards.

“If we put in the type of performance that we usually do on Saturday, I am sure we will get the three points and start to put another run together to push towards the play-offs.”