Flitcroft proud of Swindon’s ‘gutsy’ victory over Port Vale

Swindon manager David Flitcroft was pleased with his team’s “gutsy” performance after substitute Paul Mullin’s late strike ensured the Robins beat Port Vale 3-2 at the County Ground.

The striker scored two minutes from time for the hosts, who recorded a fifth straight home win to cement their place in the League Two play-off spots.

Flitcroft was pleased with his side’s efforts after a period of seven matches in just 18 days.

He said: “The lads have done phenomenally over this last batch of games.

“I was proud of the gutsy performance today. The football we played in the first half was excellent at times.

“The second half was a battle and a grind but the team dug in and backed each other.

“The three points are massive. The boys are fighting for the football club and giving it their all. They should get some deserved praise for their efforts.”

The Valiants didn’t make it easy for Flitcroft’s men and they thought they had taken the lead inside four minutes when Nathan Smith powered home, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Neil Aspin’s side went ahead when Tom Pope headed David Worrall’s free-kick across the six-yard box and Michael Tonge was on hand to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Swindon levelled when Marc Richards headed in Matt Taylor’s cross, before the Robins were then gifted the lead.

Vale keeper Ryan Boot’s misplaced clearance fell straight to Luke Norris, who slid the ball into the path of Richards and he calmly slotted home.

The away side pegged Swindon back almost immediately as Cristian Montano headed in Tonge’s corner for his sixth goal of the season.

Swindon then won it as Mullin flicked Kyle Knoyle’s knock down over Boot and into the net.

Defeat extends Port Vale’s winless run in League Two to eight matches, with the Valiants still yet to secure a win in 2018 but boss Aspin felt the performance was encouraging in their fight for survival.

“I saw enough fight and determination today to give me hope that we can get ourselves out of trouble,” he said.

“There was nothing between the two sides but you’ve got one side pushing for the play-offs and one side fighting relegation.

“We have had two away games and scored three goals which is not a bad return but we have conceded eight goals and seven of those have been down to mistakes.

“There were two today – bad defending on the first one and a mistake on the second one.

“I think the third goal there is not a lot you can do – on any other day that doesn’t end up in the back of the net.”