Swindon Town

TOWN returned to winning ways at The County Ground with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Notts County.

After a goal-less first forty-five, Swindon found the net three times against the ten-man Magpies.

Mark Cooper made two changes to the starting line-up. Smith and Kasim both made way for the returning Jack Stephens after suspension, while there was also a start for John Swift.

A scrappy first half was punctuated by efforts at either end inside the opening quarter of the game. Wes Foderingham was called into action very early on, producing a fine double save to keep the visitors at bay. A free-kick from the right eventually forced the stopper to push away a goal-bound effort before getting to his feet and keeping out the follow-up.

At the other end, Andy Williams fired wide after being put through on the angle while Massimo Luongo’s cross/shot drifted onto the roof of the net.

Just fifteen minutes into the second half, John Swift broke the deadlock with a sublime strike from the edge of the area. Cutting back onto his right foot, he curled an effort beyond the grasp of Carroll and into the corner of the net.

Five minutes later, Mark Cooper’s men had doubled their lead. Andy Williams was brought down in an off-the-ball incident and, after consulting with his linesman, the referee pointed to the spot. Town’s top scorer picked himself up and took responsibility for the penalty, sidefooting past Carroll who dived the wrong way.

Campbell-Ryce hit the side-netting for the visitors and Paddy McCourt drilled over as the visitors searched for a way back into proceedings.

Things went from bad to worse for the Magpies when they were reduced to ten men – Liam Noble shown his second yellow card of the afternoon.

In the 88th minute, Town put a gloss on the result. Luongo was set free down the right, his shot was parried by Carroll into the path of Harry Toffolo who made no mistake from close range.