FLASH HARRY
Mckirdy keeps Robins on upward trend
THE FANS LOVE IT
GRAHAM THOMAS
By at the New Lawn Stadium
BEN GARNER admits he has some doubts about Harry Mckirdy’s eye for fashion – but none whatsoever when it comes to his eye for goal.
Swindon head coach Garner saw Mckirdy own the League Two tabletopping catwalk with a strut as the striker scored the first goal and then created the second for Tyreece Simpson.
It was enough to earn the Robins victory in the West Country derby and trim Rovers’ lead at top, with Swindon one of those clubs hot on their heels.
“Harry is a different character – an extrovert who puts smiles on people’s
faces every day,” said
Garner. “I have no idea about his fashion sense.
“He wears great hoodies, crocs that are unbelievable, and some bucket hats.
“I’m told it’s trendy, but I must be getting old.”
Mckirdy swooped onto a Ben Gladwin cross to strike a first-time shot low past Luke Mcgee to break the deadlock in the 54th minute.
It was the first goal Forest Green had conceded in more than nine hours and there was worse to come for the home side when, having spurned their own chances, Mckirdy created a crucial second with nine minutes to go. His run and chip into the goalmouth was turned in by Ipswich Town loanee Simpson.
Lewis Ward – making his league debut for Swindon against his former club – had already proven a reliable protector in goal and capped it off with a penalty save in injury-time.
Ward had pulled down Josh March, but then showed real athleticism to deny the home striker from the spot kick.
For the Green Army, this was a first defeat in seven games but manager Rob Edwards said: “The last time we lost, we then went five matches unbeaten and that’s what we have to do again now.”
FOREST GREEN: Mcgee 6, Wilson, 6, Bernard 7, Sweeney 6 (Cargill 76, 6), Stevenson 7, Stevens 6 (March 77, 6), Aitchison 6 (Young 69), Cadden 6, Matt 5, Moore-taylor 6, Hendry 7.
SWINDON TOWN: Ward 8, Hunt 7, Odimayo 7, Conroy 6, Crichlow 7, Iandolo 7, Reed 7, Payne 7 (East 90), Gladwin 7 (Lyden 90), Mckirdy 8 (Baudry 90), Simpson 7.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Harry Mckirdy: Unconventional but has a striker’s instinct and can be a creator, too.
REFEREE: Paul Howard 6.