MATCH REPORT: Swindon Town (1) v (2) Salford City

Salford City completed the first comeback of their League existence as goals from Liam Shephard and Ryan Watson ensured the visitors took all three points after Harry McKirdy’s headed goal initially put Swindon in front. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his match report from the County Ground.

A physical opening to proceedings saw both teams enjoy possession in the opposition areas but neither could fashion a credible chance on goal. Matt Smith’s weak header sailed safely into the hands of Swindon keeper JoJo Wollacott, whilst full-back Joe Tomlinson had his powerful strike deflected out of play.

Having settled into the game, both teams rarely threatened to open the scoring with a congested midfield forcing Salford and Swindon two play out wide with a lack of quality in the final third starving the crowd of goalmouth entertainment. 

Swindon were largely in control of proceedings as they dominated possession but unlike Tuesday when every attacking move clicked, couldn’t work a threatening chance with Salford looking the more threatening of the two teams.

Goalmouth action in the 30th minute left the match somehow still goalless as Matt Smith’s header came back off the underside of the bar and back into play. 

Liam Shephard reacted quickest with an open goal gaping in front of him but was pulled to the floor by Cooper at the last minute with the referee not appearing to see the clear foul.

Harry McKirdy had Swindon’s best chance of the game saved in the latter stages of the first-half after being played through by Ricky Aguiar but having his attempted shot through the legs of the keeper saved.

Ryan Watson’s long-range shot five minutes from half-time beat Wollacott but struck the post and went out of play as the match remained goalless at the interval.

Despite a disappointing first-half showing it was the home side who took the lead ten minutes into the second passage of play as McKirdy scored just his second header of the season getting on the end of Tomlinson’s corner.

However Swindon failed to control the game and Salford found themselves back ilevel just ten minutes later as Shephard beat his man to the near-post to steer Ash Hunter’s cross past Wollacott.

A flurry of substitutions attempted from Ben Garner intended to drive Swindon to victory as Jonny Williams and Jayden Mitchell-Lawson all entered the fray but neither did much to change Town’s fortunes.

Swindon had gone all out to secure victory, but a momentary lapse in concentration was all that Gary Bowyer’s side needed as Ryan Watson got on the end of Stephen Kelly’s cross to complete a stunning County Ground comeback and end Swindon’s three-match winning streak.