GARETH Ainsworth said the ever-improving understanding of his defence is laying the foundations for Wanderers' recent good results.

The Blues boss has kept the same back four of Sido Jombati and Joe Jacobson at full back and the former Brentford duo of Aaron Pierre and Alfie Mawson in the middle in every match so far this season, and that unit never looked like being breached during last night's 1-0 win at Plymouth Argyle.

It was a fourth clean sheet in eight League Two games and the performance of the defence was key to victory.

Their collective reading of the game was exceptional, cutting out countless attempted passes and crosses from their opponents and being in the way to make blocks when needed.

Ainsworth was left to remark on the transformation from an often chaotic defence he had to contend with last season.

He said: "What a difference it makes to have a solid back four, to go forward and be able to create the chances and commit men forward when we've got the backup.

"The two young lads in the centre of defence are really growing and becoming a really good partnership, and two great full backs either side.

"The back four or five - I can't leave Matty Ingram out, or Baz [Barry Richardson, goalkeeping coach] will kill me - their concentration levels are high.

"I know they have got a good understanding and are getting fitter and more understanding every game.

"They have taken everything on board. We work hard on our defending and it's paying off."

Reflecting on Blues' fifth win of the season - gained thanks to Paul Hayes' first half winner as Wanderers once again netted from a set piece - Ainsworth said: "There wasn't much in the game. We limited Plymouth's chances on our goal and we've taken our chance from the corner.

"I was really pleased with the way we defended and saw the game out.

"They changed shape in the second half to try and change and the boys adapted really well to that."

Wanderers had never won a Football League match at Home Park in their history before Ainsworth's appointment as manager, but under him they've won on all three of their visits and kept a clean sheet on each occasion.

Ainsworth said: "It's been a happy hunting ground for me so far and long may that continue."