Swindon Town manager David Flitcroft hails defensive improvement

Town’s 10 men came away with a share of the spoils from their trip to promotion rivals Lincoln City, despite leading up until injury time.

Defender Matt Preston saw red after giving away a penalty in the first half, dispatched by the Imps’ Lee Frecklington, but goals from Marc Richards and Ollie Banks saw the visitors take a surprise lead.

Michael Bostwick got the equaliser via a late corner at Sincil Bank after Town had been bombarded with balls into the box.

Despite being ultimately disappointed to lose the lead so late, Flitcroft believes his team are going from strength-to-strength at the back.

“We dealt with the set pieces and I thought pre-Luton (on Boxing Day) we looked anxious at set pieces and a little bit apprehensive,” said the Town boss.

“Deservedly we had conceded goals in the past, but we didn’t look like we were going to concede goals.

“The boys stood firm at the weekend.

“We had direct balls coming into the box and we dealt with it.

“Maybe I would have felt differently if they scored in the 65th minute, but it felt like a defeat.”

The Swindon chief was also impressed by the offensive display his side were able to conjure up, even though they were a man light.

Timi Elsnik, Paul Mullin and Banks drew praise from the manager, who believes his side look a real threat when they play.

Elsnik went close to wrapping the game up for Town when he hit the crossbar in the second half and Flitcroft admits his players could have been a little more ruthless with their opportunities.

“If Timi’s shot went in that would have been it. Mullin had a cross, if he’d have stretched a little bit further then he might have scored,” he added.

“Looking back I think we might have needed a third goal. With the players on the pitch and the quality we have, I know there are goals in our team.

“With the game at 3-1 I think there would have been no comeback.”