MATCH REPORT: SWINDON TOWN 3-2 MACCLESFIELD TOWN

Swindon Town earned a late 3-2 win as Michael Doughty’s hat trick secured Swindon all three league points with the hosts coming from behind to score two added time penalties. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his analysis following the full-time whistle.

Five second half goals saw Swindon Town secure victory against league newcomers Macclesfield Town in what was a game to remember at the County Ground. Koby Arthur took the lead with a shot to the bottom right of Vigoroux’s goal in the 46^thminute before Swindon’s Michael Doughty equalised with a header from the centre of box just a minute later. 

A sublime chip from Arthur in the 54^thminute restored the visitor’s lead, before Doughty scored two added-time penalties to see Swindon Town run out eventual 3-2 winners. 

Swindon were positive from the first whistle and it’s clear that Phil Brown had set his team up to attack in his favoured 4-3-3 formation. Debutant Martin Smith dominated the midfield as Town displayed their creative side playing quick intricate passing through the middle of the park, and were almost rewarded with their season-opening goal as Rhys Taylor made a sublime save down to his left following Doughty’s shot from inside the box in the 16^thminute.

Swindon remained with their foot firmly on the gas throughout the first half, and as Town grew in confidence, Macclesfield started to fade. Matty Taylor hit the woodwork in the 23^rd minute with a cross to the back post, as Elijah Adebayo headed his chance against the crossbar just ten minutes later. 

Town would continue to impress throughout the half as the Robins managed to pick off a shaky Macclesfield defence, forcing the visitors goalkeeper into some outstanding saves. But the score remained goalless at the halfway stage as the hosts rued missed opportunities.

Swindon got the action back underway following the break, but it would be the visitors who would take the advantage early on as Koby Arthur sneaked in behind the Town defence following a quick free-kick to find the back of the net and open the scoring. 

Swindon responded immediately though as return signing Michael Doughty was found unmarked in the middle of the box to head past Taylor for Town’s equaliser. Pressure firmly on on following their goal, it looked as if the hosts would take the lead. But it wasn’t to be as Arthur intercepted a horrible pass out from Vigouroux to chip over the goalkeeper getting his second of the match, restoring Macclesfield’s lead.

Macclesfield looked to have secured victory on their return to league football. But it wasn’t to be as two Michael Doughty added-time penalties drove the crowd wild and Swindon Town ran out 3-2 winners in what was a match to remember.