SWINDON Town loanee Jerry Yates said his teammates showed they could do both sides of the game well after their 1-0 win over Mansfield Town at the County Ground on Saturday.

Richie Wellens’ men enjoyed the better of the chances for the first 35 minutes and deservedly went ahead through on Eoin Doyle’s 23rd minute strike before the tide turned in the opposition’s favour.

Jacob Mellis, CJ Hamilton and Nicky Maynard were all unable to force what was probably a deserved equaliser as the Swindon rearguard stood firm to help claim all three points.

Yates – who is on loan from League One side Rotherham United – said it was vitally important his current club win tight games like that if they are to achieve their goal of promotion.

“It was a tough second half because they changed formation and gave it everything,” said Yates.

“It was a gritty performance and we’re buzzing with the three points because we need to win games like that if we want to get promoted.

“We had to stay more compact and rely on the counter because they threw everything and everyone forward.

“It was more of a defensive performance in the second half, but the lads were excellent.

“They won all the tackles, second balls and headers, so it was a good, gritty performance from us.”

While the five-man defence of Paul Caddis, Zeki Fryers, Mathieu Baudry, Tom Broadbent and Rob Hunt performed admirably during the second half, Town could have made the game safe with more ruthless finishing, according to the 23-year-old striker.

Yates was especially critical of his own performance in front of goal after missing a presentable one-on-one chance late on but said not scoring is much easier to deal with when the team holds out for a win.

Yates said: “I thought we were on top for the first 30 or 40 minutes – maybe we could have got a few more goals.

“I could have scored in the second half, but we’ve dug in deep and got the win, so it’s all good.

“I still get opportunities to score playing on the left, but I’ve got to be a bit more clinical in future.

“Thankfully, we still won the game, so I’m still happy and it doesn’t bother me.

“Playing out wide is definitely different! My main position is striker, but I am there to do a job and hopefully I’m doing it well enough to stay in the team.

“When we’re winning, it’s all good so I don’t mind playing anywhere.”