ANTHONY Lynn struck a second half brace on Tuesday afternoon to earn Swindon Town U18s a second Youth Alliance south-west win in four days.

Buoyed by Saturday’s 3-1 win at home to Portsmouth, David Farrell’s youngsters won by the same margin against Forest Green Rovers in the shadows of the County Ground on the STFC Community Foundation’s artificial pitch.

The win was U18s’ seventh this season and has moved them onto 23 points from 16 games – enough points to sit them inside the division’s six Merit League I qualification spots.

It also confirmed Town's double over Rovers this season, following on from their remarkable 4-3 success at Cirencester's Royal Agriculture University in September.  

Town’s ability to counterattack pleased Farrell most, who has now called on his squad to deliver one final November performance when Exeter visit this weekend.

He said: “It was a good performance, right up there with Saturday though not quite as effective.

“In terms of the way Forest Green Rovers play, it was a different task to Portsmouth. Rovers try and play out at all costs, and enjoy a lot of possession.

“We talked about that and set up for it, and it didn’t cause us any problems to be honest. Obviously, we conceded a lot of possession, but we looked dangerous on the counter attack and could’ve scored more goals on another day.

“The win is pleasing, it’s another three points after Saturday. The challenge now is can they pick up points seven, eight and nine against Exeter.

“Nine points in a week would be a massive boost. Players look more confident this week than previously.”

Playing away from Stanley Park – the familiar setting for Swindon’s youth alliance fixtures – proved no great drama for the former Aston Villa midfielder.

In fact, the 48-year-old U18s boss is all for hosting matches at Foundation Park. And he was pleased by the scattering of Swindon Town supporters that showed their face for the game.

He added: “Ideally, you want to play on a nice grass pitch. But that’s not always possible.

“We’re used to the surface, and young players adapt well to surfaces. The boys never moan about playing on an artificial surface, and I like it too.

“We have two dugouts, a couple of small stands – what more do you want?”