OUTSTANDING support that carried Swindon Town to the top of League Two on Saturday didn’t surprise manager Richie Wellens one bit.

More than 1,300 Town fans completed the six-hour plus round trip to Moor Lane to watch the Football League’s highest goalscorer Eoin Doyle notch another two goals as Salford City were beaten 2-3 – Jerry Yates scored Swindon’s third with 12 minutes remaining.

It’s the fifth time Swindon have attracted more than 1,000 fans to an away game this season – a four-figure attendance has twice been recorded at Cheltenham with other notable trips occurring at Exeter and Leyton Orient.

Wellens has repeatedly stated a supportive, and vocal, fanbase can inspire his squad when the going gets tough. And his theory might just be turning into reality, particularly given the five mentioned away trips have ended in either a win or a draw.

Wellens said: “I wasn’t surprised by the support, though it was outstanding.

“I can’t remember any away games this year where we haven’t had a significant number attend – though there weren’t many at Bristol Rovers on Wednesday (in the Leasing.com Trophy), but I don’t blame them.

“To take 138 to that game was outstanding. And the 1,300 that attended on Saturday, brilliant. It proves that we’re starting to build an affection with the supporters who have their club back.”

Excluding the obvious performances of note, midfielder Michael Doughty appeared to make a return to form.

A series of eye-catching runs from the half-way line to the edge of Salford’s penalty area delighted Wellens, and the 2018-19 Town Player of the Year deservedly recorded his second assists of the year.

“Michael is a free spirit – I want him to get into areas where he can hurt teams. But he has to be in a position defensively and going forward too,” said Wellens.

“The last four or five games I think we’ve got the best out of the him. He is performing at a high and consistent level now.”

Regarding Paul Caddis’ appearance on the bench, Wellens required some additional height to counter City’s attacking strengths.

He said: “To throw Paul (Caddis) in would’ve been a big ask.

“I put Ellis (Iandolo) in because of his extra height, we knew Salford can field a big team and balls will come into our box.”