SWINDON Town got their tour of Ireland off to a winning start as Jonathan Obika’s goal was enough to see off First Division side Shelbourne.
Swindon made six changes to the team that started in the 6-0 win over Swindon Supermarine, with no triallists on show at Tolka Park.
Obika thought he had opened the scoring a minute before the break when he was played in by Yaser Kasim, only for the 25-year-old to be denied by the post.
Town started the second half with the same team that began the first and it was Obika again who had a good chance presented to him when he was played in one-on-one with Shelbourne goalkeeper Greg Murray, but the 'keeper stayed big.
Obika was not to be denied again and he gave Swindon the lead 14 minutes into the second half when he turned his defender before finding the top corner.
Town rang the changes shortly after the goal, with Williams bringing off everyone apart from Jamie Sendles-White and Kasim.
It wasn’t long before Jermaine Hylton rattled the woodwork of the Shelbourne goal for a second time.
Young fired a shot wide but that was the only chance of the last 20 minutes as Swindon saw out the game to claim the win.
First team coach Ross Embleton told BBC Wiltshire: “We’re always expected to come to places like this and win the game comfortably.
"I think for the people who have been here and for the coaching staff and players, we have won the game comfortably even if the scoreline doesn’t quite reflect that."
Meanwhile, Paraguayan Ronald Huth, who has been on trial with Swindon Town and played the first half at the Webb's Wood Stadium last Saturday, was a second-half sub for Bath City against Bristol Rovers tonight.
Swindon Town: Vigouroux (Henry 65’), Rossi-Branco (Spalding 65’), Thompson (Ormonde-Ottewill 65’), Sendles-White, Barry (Evans 65’), Rodgers (Smith 65’), Kasim, Thomas (Iandolo 65’), Brophy (Young 65’), Goddard (Stewart 65’), Obika (Hylton 65’)
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel