IT’S not quite win or bust for Swindon Town just yet in their race to secure a play-off spot, but Richie Wellens understands defeat against Newport County this evening will serve as a huge blow to his side’s promotion credentials.

Fans will have just as many eyes on Exeter City’s trip to Macclesfield tonight, as defeat for the Grecians and a win for Town will bring Wellens’ men to within a point of the play-off frame.

Reverse those results, and Town face a seven-point deficit between themselves and the top seven with only five fixtures remaining. The only saving grace in that situation would be the Grecians’ trip to Forest Green Rovers – currently sixth – on the final day of the season.

A below-standard playing surface will do little to help Town’s cause in Wales tonight, but manager Richie Wellens hopes outplaying their opponents between both boxes can act as a catalyst for success in front of goal.

He said: “We might not be able to pass the ball as well as we can do. I’ve seen the pitch, it isn’t in the best condition.

“But, we’re going to go there with a game plan. I’ve already watched them, it’s been an easy game to plan for.

“If you would’ve offered me four points away from Newport away and Yeovil here then I would’ve accepted that offer.

“It’s now vice-versa with regards to how things will have to work out if we are to reach that offer.”

Fatigue is not a worrying factor for the 39-year-old Town boss, who criticised his side’s inability to finish key chances in Saturday’s frustrating 1-1 draw against Yeovil Town.

Theo Robinson, Kaiyne Woolery and Keshi Anderson all fell guilty to fluffing their lines against the Glovers – which prompted unrest from the home faithful as a lacklustre Town gifted the visitors a late goal.

That unrest wasn’t taken well by Town’s players – as Wellens explained his squad responds better to encouragement rather than criticism.

He added: “We’ve got a group of players that respond better to encouragement rather than any form of criticism. We all wanted as a club to go and get the second goal.

“When we did get the ball down and started passing, we made chances. But we’ve got to take the second chance to score the second goal.”