SWINDON Town U18s manager Alan McLoughlin was encouraged by his side’s “dominant” showing to claim their first win in Merit League One.

Goals from Scott Twine, Jordan Simpson and skipper Tom Ouldridge, all of whom were offered professional contracts by the club earlier this month, secured the win over Cambridge United at Stanley Park.

Twine opened the scoring in the first half after latching onto a long ball forward from Town goalkeeper Declan Lehmann before Simpson finished a well-worked team move with a calmly taken side-footed effort in the area.

Ouldridge claimed the game’s third goal in the second period and despite Cambridge pulling one back late on, there were few concerns for McLoughlin.

“Like the last few home games, it was very windy conditions,” he said.

“We played exceptionally well in the first half and were deservedly two goals up at half-time – it maybe should have been four or five.

“In the second half, it was a little bit more difficult because of the conditions but comfortable again.

“Cambridge performed a little bit better in the second half and caused us a couple of problems.

“It was a preventable goal to concede but I wasn’t even unduly uncomfortable when that goal went in at 3-1 and we went on again to create numerous chances.

“I was satisfied with 3-1, I was satisfied with the way the boys played."

The win lifted Town away from second-from-bottom Cambridge and with long road trips away to Southend United and Gillingham in their next two outings, McLoughlin foresees a different test to their recent home games.

“I was pleased - after three draws and an understandable loss to Newport - with the way the boys have bounced back from that initial disappointment,” he added.

“They know that there are maybe opportunities if scouts come along, which they were there on Saturday.

“They know they have to perform to their potential and to a man they all did.

“I certainly felt, out of the games we’ve played, I thought we deserved to beat Exeter on the day and I thought we should have beaten Plymouth on the day.

“The only game I haven’t got any complaints about is the Newport away game.

“Now we face two long away trips, starting with Southend on Saturday, which is a very early start, but that is no excuse for the players.

“The next two weeks will now be about the mental capabilities of the players.”