SWINDON Town defender Harrison Minturn scored his first goal for loan club Chippenham Town on Saturday in a 1-1 draw against Hampton and Richmond Borough.
After a strong first 40 minutes for the Bluebirds, Minturn stole in at the back post from a corner to poke his team in front.
But despite an encouraging defensive performance from Mike Cook’s men, Chippenham conceded late on when Ruaridh Donaldson smashed a shot into the top-left corner from the edge of the box.
The 18-year-old centre-back has completed eight National League South matches since agreeing a loan move in early January, ending up on the winning side three times while experiencing defeat twice.
Minturn has been a key factor in the Bluebirds conceding just six goals in those eight games, and Cook is delighted with the teenager’s contribution so far.
Saturday’s 1-1 draw also saw a debut for Swindon Town midfielder Mo Dabre.
The former Volenti Academy teenager - who has been a versatile option for Ben Garner in EFL Trophy matches this season - featured on the left of a four-man diamond midfield and put in a solid performance on his debut, according to Cook.
Backed to come out of his shell the longer he remains in the professional game, Cook believes Dabre could have a future as a winger as well as or instead of a central midfield role.
The final member of Swindon’s squad to have recently experienced a loan is goalkeeper Emmanuel Idem.
After agreeing a one-month move to Isthmian League North side Brentwood Town on February 11, Idem appears to have finished his stint early and played just three games in all competitions.
The 23-year-old kept one clean sheet in two league wins before playing his final game during a 4-2 Velocity Trophy defeat to Cheshunt on Tuesday, February 22.
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