PAUL Benson thanked the Swindon fans for their support at Morecambe yesterday and believes it was they who ultimately ensured the Robins snatched all three points.

The veteran striker scored his 10th goal for the club soon after half time to make it two wins from two on the road recently and help Town close in on automatic promotion.

Over 800 fans had made the lengthy trip north to Lancashire and were vocal throughout yesterday’s match.

And with Town far from at their best on the pitch, Benson has no doubt it was the support of the fans that helped ensure the players kept going.

“There were two committed teams and two teams who wanted to win,” he said.

“There was not a lot of quality on the pitch and I think it is fair to say that the fans were the man of the match for us.

“They were unbelievable and kept backing us even though there was not a lot of quality on the pitch.

“They kept us going and it gives us such a buzz when you have support like that and ultimately that won us the game.”

Benson’s goal came just at the right time with neither side having managed a chance of note in the first 45 minutes.

With Morecambe having to take more risks, spaces opened at the back and in the end the winning margin should have perhaps been bigger.

“That goal opened the game up completely,” added Benson. “It was very tight in the first half but after the goal the game just opened up and it should have been four or five in the end.

“I had a chance at the end which should have been a goal and there were a few other chances as well. It was 1-0 at the end of the day but it could have been more comfortable than that.”

Benson has been a particular thorn in Morecambe’s side over the years, with yesterday’s goal his fourth in three games against the Shrimps.

“Even though it is a new ground for me I always seem to do well against Morecambe,” he said.

“It was nice to get the goal but it was even better to get the three points.”