Head coach Luke Williams took much encouragement from Swindon Town's win over Bradford City

Anton Rodgers’ first-half free-kick was decisive as Town followed up their midweek draw at Southend United to pull further clear of the relegation zone in League One.

There were plenty of chances for further goals for the home side, with Town also having to be resolute at the back in the face of a physical Bantams attack.

Williams was delighted with the effort of his troops as they proved more than a match for Stuart McCall’s side, who are in the thick of a promotion fight.

“There were plenty of things (that pleased me). The energy and the intensity, we were pressing the opposition higher up the pitch, which is much more preferable, and I think we created plenty of chances,” said Williams.

“I was hoping that when the game slowed down, that we would be the team that had imposed themselves the most. I think it’s fair to say that was the case.

“If anyone feels like they can play against this team and not come under pressure, they are wrong because they are an excellent side and are at the top of the division for a reason.

“The manager has got them organised and they play to their strengths, so you know you are going to come under pressure.

“If you do, you need to stand up to it and then you need to come up with an answer. Today, I think we had both. We could stand up to the physical threat and we had a threat for them to think about, and that was pleasing.”

The crucial moment came midway through the first period when Rodgers sent a stunning 30-yard free-kick past Bantams stopper Colin Doyle.

Town thought they had a second goal when Jonathan Obika netted on the hour but the striker was denied by an offside flag.

Williams lauded the quality of both players and was pleased to see a killer instinct from his troops.

“Those that were at the game here against Leyton Orient (in May 2015) that saw Anton lift the ball up himself and volley it, I think is something that you only see in the Premier League, but that (free-kick) is as good as anything as well,” said Williams.

“It’s not close, he hits it from a long way, he hits it with more accuracy than power, which is more difficult, and he is a very talented boy.

“You need those moments of quality. I don’t know if Obika is onside when he puts the ball in the back of the net, I think maybe he is but I am not sure.

“What pleased me about it was that he took no chances, he made sure he put the ball in the back of the net and then worried about whether or not the whistle went afterwards.

“It is those moments of quality and let’s not forget the moments of brilliance again from Lawrence Vigouroux.”