Strong start helped Dons to control game over Swindon

Scoring first, and after just four minutes, gave Dons the ideal platform to win back-to-back league games for the first time this season, according to Daniel Harvie.

Cameron Jerome opened the scoring at the County Ground as Dons picked up their biggest league win of the season, triumphing 4-1 over Swindon Town to move up to 14th in the table.

Having conceded first in over half of their games this season, Harvie, who netted the second goal of the game on 27 minutes, said scoring first was going to be essential if they were to back up their Boxing Day win over Bristol Rovers.

"We're solid at the back so we have to get that first goal," he said. "Through the season, we've conceded first and it becomes an uphill battle against teams, so scoring first for us puts us in a great position.

"We spoke about it after Saturday that back-to-back wins would be essential, especially during the Christmas period, we knew it would be tough but we're pleased to win 4-1 and get the three points.

"The gaffer's expectations are high. The second half was different – Swindon came out with a bit more, put the ball forwards a lot but when things get ugly, you have to dig in deep. We had a lead to hold on to at 3-1, and the fourth goal made things more comfortable."

Dons are not in action now until January 9 when they take on Premier League Burnley in the FA Cup third round at Turfmoor, after an outbreak of Covid-19 in the Rochdale squad postponed this Saturday's trip to Spotland.

Harvie continued: "We're a bit disappointed the game is off, but health comes first and that's the priority. So we'll rest up, and we'll be back on the training ground and look forward to the next game."