AFTER marking his full Swindon Town debut with two goals, Marc Richards believes the weekend win over Crewe could prove to be a catalyst for the rest of the season.

Richards put Town ahead early on in their seven-goal clash with the Railwaymen on Saturday, before the visitors were able establish a 3-1 lead in the second half.

Veteran striker Richards, who signed on a year-and-half-long deal at the Energy Check County Ground earlier this month, then notched for the second time, as David Flitcroft’s troops fought back to win 4-3 at home.

Tonight’s trip to Stevenage game marks the start of a tricky run of matches for Town, who are also due to face Lincoln City, Accrington Stanley and Mansfield Town this month, as well as the likes of promotion contenders Wycombe.

While the fixture list may look a little daunting, Town’s new marksman believes there is all to play for as they home in on a League Two promotion place.

“Going behind at 3-1 you tend to think the game might be dead and buried. But to come back and show the character and the fight and the spirit – potentially we could have won the (Crewe) game by a lot more,” said the former Northampton Town man.

“Off the back of a disappointing defeat (at Coventry) last weekend, conceding three goals again is something we need to look at, as a squad not just the defence or midfield but starting from the attack.

“Hopefully this is a catalyst for us to go on. We have a tough month with lots of games and points to be played for.”

The win also meant that Town kept pace with a host of teams in the hunt for a play-off berth, along with the likes of Coventry City, Newport County and Lincoln.

The experienced 35-year-old says he hasn’t seen a league table as competitive as this year’s, with four points separating second and Town down in eighth.

Richards believes it is testament to how many good teams are in the division, but also suggested that he’d expect Town to be further up than their currently placing.

“I’ve not known a division as tight as this.

“Usually you get two, three or four teams who kind of run away with it and then everyone else is scrapping it out for the play-offs,” he added.

“It just shows you what a good league it is this year. There are a lot of top teams in this league and a lot of big clubs.

“We are one of the big clubs and should be knocking on the door of an automatic spot.

“This shows how close it is and if we can get a run of form and consistency, back to back wins will help and only help with the confidence of the players as well.”