IF Saturday’s battling draw at home to Exeter City taught us anything about the new Swindon Town era, it simply reinforced that David Flitcroft knows how to give a half-time team-talk.

That fact had first been in evidence in the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat at Championship side Norwich City in midweek, where three Canaries goals in 15 minutes leading up to half-time seemed to have Swindon all at sea.

However, Town came out fired up after the break and caused their illustrious opponents no end of problems en route to winning the second half at Carrow Road 1-0.

It was a mirror image against the Grecians at the weekend as a leggy first-half showing saw Swindon a goal down as they headed into the changing rooms.

However, whatever words Flitcroft sent forth to his side were swiftly heeded and Town were much-improved after the break and were somewhat unfortunate to only have Kaiyne Woolery’s equaliser to show for their efforts.

Flitcroft was also brave and bold in his substitutions, with the Town boss recognising that Harry Smith was not quite offering the same presence up top as he had done against the Canaries, while Donal McDermott’s attempts to make a strong first impression in Swindon colours was not quite clicking despite his endeavour.

On went Woolery and Luke Norris and the duo made an instant impression – highlighted by them combining for the goal – as they added more menace and intent to the home side’s play.

When the going got tough last season, Swindon seemed to lack the nous to know how to turn the tide of the game.

Now it seems they have both the personnel on the field and the touchline to do just that.

On a wider note, League Two has revealed just how tight it will be already with just one team – Coventry City – still able to boast a 100 per cent record eight days after the big kick-off.

At the other end or the spectrum, only three clubs have yet to register a point, suggesting that the scraps for promotion, the play-offs and relegation will be fiercely contested right up until May.