Ian Woan says Swindon Town need the fans' backing to banish the home jitters and win a place in the money-spinning third round of the FA Cup.

They play host to non-League Gateshead in the second round on Saturday with the former Nottingham Forest man confessing some of the players have not felt entirely comfortable at the County Ground in recent games.

Town have won only two league games in front of their own fans and the supporters have not been slow to voice their frustration at times.

In contrast, the performance at Northampton showed just what the players could produce with the help of some positive vocal backing.

Woan hopes the Town faithful can help roar their side to FA Cup victory in the same manner as they did for Saturday's league game at Northampton.

"I've got to take my hat off to them. They made a hell of a difference. The noise they made was fantastic and I think the performance showed it," said Woan.

Town's players did look more relaxed, a contrast to events at the County Ground where the players were booed off the pitch after an appalling display against Stoke City.

Although he has not been one of the targets of the crowd's wrath, Woan is not oblivious to the effect barracking can have on a player.

He said: "It is a confidence thing. A few of the lads were getting a bit of stick and they don't produce their best form at home when the pressure's on."

He said the victory at Northampton had been more than just three points.

"It was vital, a real morale booster," said the midfielder, "and if we play to our potential against Gateshead, there shouldn't be a problem, but it will be a tough game. They have reached this stage of the competition on merit but it's one of those games where we're on a hiding to nothing I suppose."

Tickets for the game will be £10 (adults), £5 (concessions) while youngsters accompanied by an adult can take advantage of the Kid for a Quid scheme.

Further details can be obtained from the club's ticket office on (01793) 333777.