Ian Holloway said that Swindon Town demonstrated that they have taken a step forward as they ran out 3-1 winners against Grimsby Town.

Swindon showed what they were capable of in a terrific performance in front of their home fans, with Ollie Clarke scoring and Kabongo Tshimanga netting twice.

Danny Rose scored a penalty to give Grimsby something to cling on to but Swindon were in charge from start to finish and got a well-deserved three points.

Holloway said that Swindon displayed what had improved over the last two months since he took charge to put themselves in a much better position.

He said: "It was quite simply a horrendous day and that definitely has an impact on things.

"I think you saw that we have stepped forward; the boys know where they are going and they know what they are doing.

"We need to play once we do get in their half but we are getting there a lot easier and we are not making mistakes at the back trying to get there.

"We were causing them to make mistakes and they looked flustered and we got the early goal through a fantastic finish from Ollie.

"It was a tenacious performance and that is what really pleased me, if you try and overplay on a day like this then you are going to cause yourself problems, so I was delighted with the boys and how they played.

"This club is a wonderful place to be and I want the players to understand that and show that and I believe that they are starting to.

Holloway added that the atmosphere around the ground helped contribute to the performance and helped spur the team on.

He said: "We can start building, I haven't been here that long and how hard is it to get people to be confident? Look at Manchester City at the moment, they don't look like the same team at the moment.

"What is wonderful is that our fans were with them every step of the way because we started well, we were bright, and we had a go.

"That is what we all need, a bit of the Christmas spirit but we have to bring that and that is what pleased me the most.

"It was a major, major step forward as the lads are starting to get it."

Holloway added that he felt very pleased to get through game 1000 of his managerial career and get another win.

He said: "It was a very emotional to me, reaching that number and what it means to me on a personal note.

"But it was all about getting the three points and we deserved them with the way that we played.

"It feels great to reach that milestone and I think that I will treat myself to a mince pie when I get home.

"It is not really a part of my dietary requirements but I am sure that my good lady will let me have one with a dab of cream."