Main: We planned to go after Swindon

CURTIS MAIN

ATHLETIC'S all-action approach against Swindon was part of a pre-match game plan, striker and goal hero Curtis Main revealed.

A third win in the last four games at SportsDirect.com Park was achieved thanks in no small part to a

high-tempo approach which pinned the visitors back, particularly in the second half.

In response, the frustrated visitors picked up a total of six bookings as they failed to fight fire with fire.

"It was definitely an issue brought up to be aggressive and to go out and take the game to Swindon, which we did excellently," said Main, who neatly headed home his first goal for Athletic in 11 appearances on loan from Doncaster in the 82nd minute.

"In the second half it did get scrappy with a number of bookings. As we were in front and they were chasing an equaliser, their discipline went a bit.

"We were right on top and it forced them into bad decisions, with rash tackles going in.

"The confidence in the whole squad is something we can all feel.

"As long as we can keep playing how we have been, then come the end of the

season we should be out of trouble."

Main anticipates a stern test against Walsall on Saturday and will bid to strike while the iron is hot by adding to his goals tally.

While Athletic still remain in relegation danger, the 23-year-old says there is a real belief in the squad that the current fourth-bottom station is only temporary.

"It was a really important win and as one of our games in hand, it was important we got three points," he added.

"The goal has been a long time coming and though I feel I have been playing pretty well with the team doing well, on a personal note it is always good to get on the score sheet. I am pleased.

"It is good to know that the fans will get behind you and they have been pretty good since I have come in. So there are no complaints on that front.

"We are still in the

bottom-four and it shows the work that still needs to be done. Though we have been playing well recently, nothing is done yet and we need to keep on doing what we are doing and things should be alright.”