5 things we learnt: Swindon Town (2) v (1) Newport County

SWINDON TOWN made it three consecutive league victories with a fantastic attacking display in their 2-1 home win over Newport County yesterday. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his analysis on '5 things we learnt' following the result.

Woolery can be the striker Swindon Town need

It may have been his first league start of the season, but on return from injury Kaiyne Woolery looked like a player worth every penny of the £350,000 Swindon spent on him.

Starting as the central striker against Newport, Woolery spearheaded the attack for Town and was a constant threat for the opposing defence to deal with. Running lines in behind, using his pace to beat his man, and linking play up well with Elijah Adebayo were attributes to be admired yesterday.

Stayed calm to take the ball around the keeper and slot into the back of the net to win Swindon the match. If he can stay fit, then Woolery can be the striker Swindon have needed to guide them to the playoffs.

Dunne is a key player in this Swindon side

Having come in for criticism deservedly or not for lacklustre performances this season, recent matches have seen James Dunne become key to this Swindon sides success.

Operating in a central midfield role, the 29-year-old patrolled the pitch with intensity and a hunger to win the ball back for Swindon when defending. He brought the ball forward with confidence and determination to get Swindon on the front foot whilst staying calm to work his way out of difficult situations. 

Dunne will always split opinion whilst playing in a Swindon shirt, but under the stewardship of Wellens, he has become the enforcer in midfield that Town needs.

Fans are starting to believe in Richie Wellens

On his arrival at SN1, many fans feared that the surprising announcement of an inexperienced manager as the clubs new leader would spell the end of their time in league football. 

However, three back-to-back league wins have seen Swindon rocket up the table, and now with the club just four points outside of the playoff positions, Wellens has started to turn things around for the Wiltshire club.

Yesterday's victory was Swindon’s best yet under the new manager as Town were impressive against a side chasing automatic promotion. 

The reaction from fans throughout the match and at the full-time whistle demonstrated how the STFC faithful are starting to get behind the former Oldham boss and long may the support continue as Wellens looks to take Swindon into the playoff positions. 

The football is attractive to watch

When Richie Wellens was first introduced as the new Swindon Town manager, he said that his main aim was to get his side playing attractive football that got the fans off their seats.

And in a relatively short period of time, he has got his side to do so. Yesterday’s attacking performance from the Swindon players was a perfect example of this new style of play. Moving the ball around quickly, Swindon created brilliant opportunities and should’ve ended the first half with two or three goals. 

Under Phil Brown, the play was slow, boring to watch, and easy to defend against. But Wellens has managed to breath fresh ideas into this youthful Town side and the players are starting to repay the faith shown in them with attractive and creative performances.

Michael Doughty is back to his best

A mixed start to the season saw Michael Doughty score goals for fun before an awkward period of niggling injuries saw the playmaker sidelined. 

But recent performances have seen Doughty demonstrate glimpses of his talent, and yesterday’s performance was a clear signal that the midfielder is finally back to his best.

Controlling the midfield area, Doughty was key to unlocking Newport’s defence. His calm and collectiveness were matched by his creativity and flair as the 26-year-old linked up play to create goal scoring opportunities for the side.

His goal within the games opening minute got Swindon ahead, and his reverse through ball assist for Woolery highlighted how much Swindon have missed the quality of Doughty in the final third.