SWINDON Town made light work of Macclesfield Town at the County Ground this afternoon, coasting to a three-goal victory and recording their first clean sheet in six weeks. 

Just like a week ago at Leyton Orient, Richie Wellens' side entered half time in control thanks to Keshi Anderson and Eoin Doyle's strikes in the later moments of the first half. 

Top goalscorer Doyle struck again with 14 minutes remaining, wrapping up Town's third successive League Two win and promoting Wellens' men into the division's automatic promotion frame. 

Richie Wellens made one forced changed from the side that defeated Leyton Orient 3-1 last week - Anthony Grant replaced the injured Jordan Lyden. 

Five minutes passed, and Town had the ball in the back of the net – though it was a rather tongue-in-cheek strike from Isgrove seconds after the flag had been raised after Doyle failed to keep Anderson’s smart through ball in play.

There was no great urgency from the visitors – four men stayed back for a free-kick that Archibald won after he collided with Iandolo.

It was probably for the best, as proven when Isgrove made a dashing run from the half-way line deep into the Silkmen’s half – only for his ambitious right-footed effort on the edge of the area to be comfortably caught by Evans.

Daryl McMahon’s game plan was clear – frustrate Swindon in the final third and break on the counter.

The former worked, initially. But Swindon’s patience on the ball started to weigh on the visitors’ defence, and a series of chances mid-way through the half were consequently presented.

Yates was unfortunate not to get on the end of Isgrove’s low and dangerous cross from the byline after a drinks break, as Kelleher nervously cleared the ball behind. The resulting corner was headed over by Baudry.

Another corner minutes later presented Doyle with a free header on the penalty spot.

The Bradford loanee made minimal contact, and subsequently watched his shot drift frustratingly wide.

Frustration turned into elation for Doyle though, as Anderson picked up the pieces from the Irishman’s latest effort to put Swindon ahead with 37 minutes played.

Doyle’s ruthless flick from Rose’s cross on the left forced Evans into a reaction save, but the visiting ‘keeper was helpless when Anderson immediately latched onto the rebound – firing Swindon to a one-goal lead.

Macclesfield pressed following the hosts’ opening strike, and that naturally made home supporters delighted – and perhaps relieved - when Doyle complimented Anderson’s earlier goal to double Swindon’s lead on the stroke of half-time.

Praise will go to Doyle for his tidy top corner finish, but the work of Yates in the build up to the goal helped Swindon win possession when it looked like Kirby was about to clear danger.

Hunt received the ball from Yates, before Doyle scored on the penalty spot – prompting a standing ovation when the half-time whistle was sounded. A poor end to Macclesfield’s first half prompted changes. The error-prone Kirby made way for Ntwambe while striker Gnahoua replaced winger Archibald.

Changes hardly impacted the game’s momentum – Doyle had a goal disallowed for offside before he later forced Evans to turn the ball behind for a corner after a strong piece of link-up play with Anderson.

Such was fans’ confidence in Swindon’s ability to maintain their two-goal lead, focus in the Town End switched to Exeter’s home tie against Leyton Orient.

As the hour mark passed, news circulated that Orient led 2-1 – a rather tame ‘top of the league’ chant broke out as a result.

First goalscorer Anderson was no doubt frustrated he didn’t add to his tally on the hour mark.

A delightful scoop over Macclesfield’s defence by Doyle unleashed Yates on the left side of the penalty area. His low cross found Anderson, but the 24-year-old’s effort pinballed into Evans’ arm.

The visitors’ frustrations were evident no more so than when Harris verbally challenged left-central defender Vassell following the former’s clumsy challenge on Anderson.

Minutes later, Macclesfield’s breakdown in spirit showed – as a rampant Swindon notched a third.

It was again Hunt and Doyle that combined following strong build-up play from Isgrove to pick out Anderson.

Without hesitation, Doyle – inside the D – leathered another right-footed first-time effort into Evans’ top left corner.

Three substitutions followed, Isgrove left the field for Woolery while Grant received a standing ovation when making way for Adam May. Broadbent later replaced Conroy.

Under new rules, Isgrove was required to leave the field on the farside. His lengthy walk around the pitch’s perimeter was anything but a chore, though.

The winger took the opportunity to lap up the support from his adoring set of fans - and chipped in with a high-five or two on his way back to the dugout.

That proved to be the highlight of the game's later stages. 

But another three points in the bag, and momentum is now firmly on Swindon's side ahead of Colchester's visit on Tuesday. 

Swindon Town: Luke McCormick, Danny Rose, Mathieu Baudry, Lloyd Isgrove (Kaiyne Woolery, 82’), Jerry Yates, Ellis Iandolo, Rob Hunt, Dion Conroy (Tom Broadbent, 86’), Eoin Doyle, Keshi Anderson, Anthony Grant (Adam May, 79’).

Macclesfield Town (4-4-2): Owen Evans, Fiacre Kelleher, Theo Vassell, James Harris, Joe Ironside, Theo Archibald (Arthur Gnahoua, 45’), Miles Welch-Hayes, Connor Kirby (Bruce Ntambwe, 45’), Fraser Horsfall, Corey O’Keffe, Emmanuel Osadebe.