PAUL Smith hailed the appearance of two non-strikers on the scoresheet as an encouraging sign in the fight for survival.

His only disappointment was that he hadn't made it a midfield hat-trick by netting himself.

He knows from bitter-sweet experience how important a single goal can be in the context of a season.

The 34-year-old's first start in two months was hailed as exceptional' by his manager and the midfielder himself is feeling right at home at the County Ground.

Ricky Shakes and Charlie Comyn-Platt scored the goals that mattered with Smith spurning an earlier opportunity.

He said: "I should have hit the target and made the keeper work.

"Fortunately Charlie and Ricky scored and it's nice to see the goals being spread around now and that the pressure isn't all on the front boys.

"Goals are important. We stayed up at Gillingham two years ago by a goal and last year we went down by a goal. The odd goal does matter. I said to Charlie before the game that if he wants to get forward I'll always sit for him and anchor things.

"He's popped up in the box and it's a great finish for the lad. It set us up nicely and although it got a bit tense towards the end, we held on and I thought we deserved the three points.

"The fans were terrific, it was a great atmosphere. If they can keep playing their part, it obviously helps us."

Smith joined those queuing up to praise the contribution of Ricky Shakes.

He said: "He's a good player. It was another good performance and he scares the life out of full backs.

"Hopefully if he keeps playing like that he might get into the Trinidad and Tobago side, along with a couple of mates at Gillingham. I certainly think he's good enough."

A trip to Valley Parade beckons next and Smith cannot wait.

He said: "We have to go to Bradford full of confidence and looking to make it three (wins in a row). They're beatable at home. We go there positive."

And the sooner Town are clear of trouble the better.

Smith said: "I hope it doesn't go to the wire. I had it last year. I don't want to be in that position where you have to win the last game to stay up. It's a horrible situation.

It's down to us. If we win enough games we stay up, simple as that.

"We know the job in hand and we've got to do it. We can't rely on anyone else."

Town's scheduled reserve game at Swansea City tomorrow has been postponed. A new date has yet to be confirmed.