SWINDON Town head coach Ben Garner said his players were “incredible” during the club’s 2-0 win away at Forest Green Rovers on Saturday.

Goals from Harry McKirdy and Tyreece Simpson – as well as a late penalty save from Lewis Ward – saw Town go second in League Two and send a clear message to the rest of the division that the County Ground club can compete at the top end this year.

After having an early goal controversially disallowed when Simpson bundled home, Town battled through to half-time before putting the hammer down after the break.

Garner was delighted with the display from his players and said he felt vindicated after stating his team could win even without their five international stars.

The Town boss said: “It was a top, top performance. It was incredible from the players today.

“They’ve all worked ever so hard all week so it was really pleasing to see that performance off the back of the week we’ve had.

“We said coming into the game we were confident we could come here and win the game even with five missing, and I’m delighted that proved to be the case.”

Despite ceding the lion’s share of the ball throughout – a lowly 45 per cent was all that Town managed – the visitors were much more clinical and took the clear chances they created.

Garner said the foundations for the victory were laid far before Saturday kicked off.

He said: “The work on the training ground this week laid the foundations for that win. The attitude of the players, their work rate and application, it was all outstanding all week.

“That gives you confidence all week as a head coach going into the game – you’ve seen how hard they’ve worked and the preparation they’ve done.

“I sensed in the dressing room they were in a good place before the game – to a man, they were outstanding.”