Swindon Town's opening day win only "the smallest step possible" on the road to promotion

Swindon Town's opening day victory over Carlisle United did not send a message out to the rest of the league, according to boss David Flitcroft.

Goals from Luke Norris and debutant Paul Mullin got Town off to winning ways on Saturday, as they beat Carlisle 2-1 at Brunton Park, in what was Flitcroft's first competitive game in charge of the Robins.

Norris gave Swindon the lead in the 31st minute and Mullin doubled Swindon's lead just three minutes into the second half.

Luke Joyce hit back for Carlisle in the 55th minute, but Town dug deep and held on for the win to get the new season, and new era, underway in perfect fashion.

Flitcroft, and his players, are expected to make an immediate return to League One but Saturday's three points is only the first step of a 46-game season and Flitcroft is not of the opinion that other teams in the division will now fear Town.

"No, no, no," he said, when asked if Swindon had sent a message out to the rest of League Two.

"It's 46 games, it's a question that doesn't need answering. I understand tough miles, promotions and play-off aspirations are won over a 46-game period, over 10 months.

"We've took the smallest step possible in trying to achieve a goal that I've set this group.

"We will keep driving forward day by day and improve on what we're trying to build."

Swindon are back in action as early as Tuesday, as they travel to Norwich for the first round of the League Cup, before their next league outing, at home to Exeter, on Saturday.