Swindon Town

WILL Randall admits that it was ‘a great feeling’ scoring the penalty that sent Town into the next round of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy at the expense of Newport County last night.

The tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes and, after six perfect penalties each, the home side missed their next spot-kick which handed Randall the chance to net from 12 yards and seal a passage into round two for Mark Cooper’s men.

“Everyone was taking great pens,” he recalled. “It was coming to me and I was like: “is somebody going to miss?” It took a bit of pressure off me when the Newport lad missed and I always knew I was going to go straight down the middle. It was a great feeling.”

After two substitute appearances against Bradford and Exeter at the beginning of the 2015/16 campaign, the first year pro reflected on a first start of the season at Rodney Parade.

“I was happy with my first half,” he told the official website. “I felt I got more of the ball. We were in control. The only downside was maybe we could have got a second just to put them out of reach but in the second half, the control wasn’t there and that meant I couldn’t get on the ball as much. We still created some chances but we’re just happy with the win.”

Four of the eleven that finished the game were all graduates or still members of Scott Lindsey's Under-18 side at SN1 and Randall says that he is grateful for the chance to play first team football especially alongside his friends from the youth team.

“It’s 90 minutes,” he said. “I haven’t had a lot of game time so I’m just happy for the opportunity. Me and Lee (Marshall) have been playing together since we were eight years old so me and him playing is always going to be emotional. ‘Smudge’ (Tom Smith) came on and did well. I’m happy for Ellis (Iandolo) as well. Obviously, the gaffer’s given us youngsters opportunities so it’s a great time for us.”