DAVID Flitcroft reckoned Swindon Town’s first home win of the season was just reward for faith in the stands and hard work on the training pitch as he broke his County Ground duck with a 3-2 success against Stevenage this afternoon.

Having suffered chastening losses to both Crawley and Barnet in their previous two-run-outs on their own turf, Flitcroft’s side made a blistering start in the opening quarter as Luke Norris and Keshi Anderson found the net.

Danny Newton halved the deficit early in the second period but man of the match Norris drove home a penalty in front of the Town End and despite Joe Martin’s late free kick, the hosts were good value for their three points.

Flitcroft heaped praise on his ‘unplayable’ forwards Norris and Anderson and applauded his side for overcoming previous home stumbles to register a welcome three points.

“It feels good. Me personally, I've been wanting something to give this home support something to really get behind,’’ said the manager.

“I've felt we've got beat(en) excessively in the two home games previous and no manager wants to understand what those supporters are feeling about that sat in the stand.

“So I've looked at myself long and hard, I've looked at my team and we've gone back to the training ground and I believe in that.

“I don't believe that you can do something to change it around if you don't commit to it as a group and these players have done.

“I thought at times today we looked very good, with a good, strong shape and a structure. But it's an emotional game, football and it's great for our support that has been fantastic.

“I've kept saying to the boys that it's a new team that we've built and new players and staff we've brought in and supporters want you to do well.

“They so want this to work and there is so much positive about this football club and if we get it right, the supporters will be more than behind it.

“That's what they've given me and hopefully today we've repaid them a small part, but certainly three points has helped move us where we want to be in the table.’’

The Town boss was less complimentary about the performance of referee John Brooks, who frustrated the home support with a series of decisions throughout.

He added: “I don't think the referee (Brooks) had a good game. I've been in to see him, he's allowed me to come in. He's a referee that will get better. He's quite inexperienced and that showed. I've never seen as many fouls.

“I think we had six or seven players booked and I can't remember a monster tackle so both managers are probably disappointed with the refereeing performance.

“At times today, he's made a very easy game to referee look difficult.’’