CENTRAL defender Sid Nelson says there has been intense feel around the Swindon Town training ground this week as they attempt to end a four-match winless league run.

Town looked in fine form when romping to a 3-0 Checkatrade Trophy triumph at Plymouth Argyle last Tuesday, although they were unable to use that as a springboard for a return to form in League Two last weekend as they went down 2-0 at Exeter City.

Draws at home to Northampton Town and Oldham Athletic, coupled with defeat at Crewe Alexandra, mean Phil Brown’s side have picked up just two of 12 available league points since claiming their best result of the season in a 3-0 victory at Yeovil Town on September 22.

Loanee Nelson, who agreed to switch to the Energy Check County Ground from Championship side Millwall until January over the summer, is well aware that Town need to find much more stability in terms of results.

Ahead of the visit of Mansfield Town to Wiltshire on Saturday, the 22-year-old has seen evidence in training to suggest Swindon are not far off hitting their stride.

“It has been very good (in training) and very intense,” said Nelson, who has played 11 times for Town this season.

“You need a reaction after a loss. I think in training we have had that, but it’s about putting it into action on Saturday when we cross the line.

“We have been working hard in training, working on all aspects that we feel we need to improve upon. It is about finding that balance and getting it across on a matchday.

“We just need to find a bit of consistency, that is something we have talked about.

“The more consistent teams are the ones that finish at the top end of the table. We have been trying to find that formula, and once we find it, I think we will be alright.”

Nelson has been forced to miss Swindon’s last three fixtures due to a slight hip issue, but the young centre-back has been involved in training this week and hopes the issue will have resolved itself altogether to allow him to feature against the Stags this weekend.

“It feels OK. I had a bit of a niggle and needed to have a bit of time off, but I feel good now,” said Nelson.

“I still have to monitor a little bit, but I feel good and will hopefully be ready for Saturday.”

Nelson is not the only Town defender to suffer an ailment this season, with the squad virtually down to the bare bones at the back towards the start of the season.

However, the likes of Olly Lancashire and Dion Conroy have returned to fitness in recent weeks, and Nelson believes that increase in competition for places can drive up standards.

“We can 100 per cent feel the benefits of that because you have got to keep on your game,” said Nelson.

“If you slack off, you know there is someone behind you trying to take the shirt off you. It keeps everyone on their toes as you know you have got to perform day in, day out.”