MANAGER David Flitcroft felt Swindon Town dealt with the duel threat of Wycombe Wanderers and blustery conditions to perfect as they claimed a battling 1-0 win at the Energy Check County Ground this afternoon.

Harry Smith’s superb volley after just 15 minutes was enough to separate the two sides, with Town utilising the strong wind at their backs in the first half by sending a series of probing balls into the Wycombe box.

After that, Town had to produce a spirited defensive performance in the second half as Wanderers tried to take advantage of the conditions themselves and Flitcroft hailed the steely resolve that was on display to carry his side into the League Two play-off places.

“The conditions (were tough). It was one hell of a force wind and we played it really well in the first half,” said Flitcroft.

“I was a little bit concerned at half-time that we hadn’t gone three or four goals up, I think we deserved that. Harry potentially could have had a hat-trick in the first half, he got himself in good positions.

“You are just concerned that if Wycombe utilise the wind in the second half, we probably didn’t get enough goals to the good, especially with their record of being unbeaten away from home all season.

“They keep coming at you, they don’t lie down and they score late goals.

“In the second half, it was a really brave performance out of possession with the blocks and the courage.

“Big Ade Akenfenwa causes you problems but what we managed him really well. Amine Linganzi was excellent out of possession to frustrate him and all my defenders were excellent.

“And for Riece to have the bravery to come and take it in that swirling wind, he immensely deserved that clean sheet.

“I am delighted for the players.”

On-loan striker Smith’s winning goal capped his return to the Town team after returning to Wiltshire in midweek following a spell at parent club Millwall to deal with personal issues.

Flitcroft was thrilled with the performance of the 22-year-old and thought both Smith and Swindon could have finished the game with more goals to their name.

“The goal was a good finish. It was probably harder to take that one than two or three other chances,” said Flitcroft.

“The one where he got rid of Adam El-Abd, he didn’t know Adam had fallen down so he could have raced away. For a six-foot-five guy, he moves really quickly and I thought he was away but he just rushed it.

“Paul Mullin had a great opportunity at the end too so it was a good performance.”