NEW boy Martin Williams wants to repay Colin Todd's faith by firing the goals to push Town up the Second Division table. The former Reading hitman scored on his debut for the reserves on Wednesday, August 30, and immediately set his sights on winning a place in the first team.

Williams feared his dream move to the County Ground had been wrecked by a freak knee injury.

But the 27-year-old has now signed a three-month contract with a view to a longer deal, as exclusively revealed in later editions of the Evening Advertiser yesterday.

Williams said: I did actually sign for Swindon in the summer but everything was put on hold because I picked up an injury.

I went for a run and my knee just swelled up. I was worried it might put Swindon off me, but they stuck by me and I hope I can repay them.

I wouldn't say I was Lazarus or anything but hopefully I can do my bit to turn things round.

Williams caught the eye in the 4-1 reserve win over Brighton.

He said: It was good to get through 90 minutes. I haven't played all season so I really enjoyed it.

I had a couple of chances and the goal fell very nicely for me, although the keeper probably did make it a bit easy.

Williams has not seen any of Town's matches this season, but believes the squad is in place to haul themselves clear of the lower reaches.

There are big expectations here. Swindon are a good footballing side but the Second Division was always going to be difficult because teams play a different style, said Williams.

I haven't set myself any targets. I got through 90 minutes for the reserves and we'll take it on from there.

I've got another chance and hopefully I can sign a longer deal in the future.

Williams played 25 games for Reading last season but turned down the offer of a one-year contract at the Madejski despite being a big favourite with the Royals' supporters.

WILLIAMS FACTFILE

Name: Martin Keith Williams

Born: Luton, July 12, 1973

Age: 27

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 11.12

Club career

1991: Luton Town. (15 appearances + 30 as sub, 2 goals)

1995: Colchester United (Loan. 3 appearances.)

1995: Reading 89 appearances + 28 as sub, 23 goals.)

Williams was Reading's leading scorer with 11 goals from 31 games until he sustained a knee injury in February 1999.