SWINDON Town goalkeeper Lewis Ward has left Wiltshire to sign for League Two rivals Sutton United.

The 25-year-old has joined Sutton for an undisclosed fee, with a year remaining on his former Town contract.

Ward arrived in 2021 and spent the majority of the season as back-up to Jojo Wollacott before coming into the starting XI late in the season as Swindon reached the League Two play-offs.

A personal highlight during his first season was Ward's performance in the FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City, saving a penalty against Gabriel Jesus at the County Ground.

Another was his man-of-the-match display against former club Forest Green Rovers in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

But after Sol Brynn was brought to Wiltshire a few months ago and chosen to start ahead of Ward, the 25-year-old was thought to be unhappy about spending another season as a back-up and therefore asked to leave the County Ground in search of first-team football.

In a short statement from Sutton announcing the deal, United manager Matt Gray said: 'Lewis is a player I've come across several times over the years, and Andy Little has worked with him.

"He's a really good character, and a really good signing that will bring strong competition to the goalkeeping spot with Jack Rose and Brad House, and I'm delighted to have him with us.''

The undisclosed fee that Sutton paid for Ward marks the first time in his career that money has been exchanged for his services, with the previous seven senior moves being either on loan or as a free transfer.

Ward will come up against Swindon on Tuesday, September 13 when Sutton arrive at the County Ground. The return tie is on Tuesday, February 14 at Gander Green Lane.