Yates praises team performance as Town made to dig deep by Mansfield

SWINDON TOWN secured their fifth league win in a row as they ran out 1-0 winners against a struggling Mansfield side courtesy of Eoin Doyle's first-half strike. Total Sport Swindon's Rajan Hothi spoke to STFC striker Jerry Yates following the victory.

Doyle's goal was enough to separate the two sides in what was an entertaining encounter, as Swindon were forced to dig in by a Mansfield side who will feel unfortunate to have not grabbed at least a point. 

Town had the better chances of the first-half, but the Stags gave Richie Wellens' side a few scares in the second-half as Nicky Maynard was presented with goalscoring opportunities. Though Swindon held on for a valuable win which sees them stay top of the League Two table. 

Speaking after the game, Jerry Yates believed Swindon were worked hard by the visitors in the second-half, but insisted they were the better side and deserved the three points.

"It was a tough second-half, they changed formation and gave everything," said Yates.

"We put in a gritty performance and we're all buzzing with the three points because we need to win games like that.

"First 30/40 minutes we were on top, and maybe, personally, I could've got more goals, especially in the second-half. But we dug in deep and got the three points," he added. 

"We had to stay compact in the second-half and play more on the counter as they pushed everyone forward.

"It was more of a defensive performance in the second-half, and we won the second balls and tackles," said Yates.

Despite being a natural striker, Yates has often been shifted out to the left by Wellens as he is made to accommodate for the leagues top goalscorer Eoin Doyle, but the 23-year-old revealed that he's happy to play anywhere as long as the team are winning.

"It's different playing out wide as my main position is striker," stated Yates.

"I'm there to do a job and hopefully I'm doing it well enough to stay in the team.

"When we're winning it's so good, so I don't mind playing anywhere," he said.

In what was a difficult match, Yates' teammate Rob Hunt endured another impressive performance for Town against Mansfield as the full-back was forced to play out on the left-hand side. Commenting on the performance of Hunt, Yates was full of praise for the full-back.

"Rob's unbelievable. He's probably one of my best mates here. I live with him and he's so professional," said Yates.

"He can play anywhere. He can play as both full-backs, central midfield and he's been a great addition to the team. 

Eoin Doyle notched his 17th goal of the season, taking Doyle and Yates' striking partnership up to 25 goals this season. When asked about the relationship with his teammate, Yates revealed that the duo have a strong connection that allows them to thrive in games together.

"We won't text each other but we just have that understanding on the pitch," revealed Yates.

"You can talk to him about anything and he always pushes me, makes me do extra.

"He's a top professional so I can't fault him for anything. We know what we're both good at, we always encourage each other so it's a good relationship," said Yates.