MICHAEL Smith seemingly does not score goals in singles. On Saturday, he notched his third brace of the season and now has his eyes on his first Town hat-trick.

The 22-year-old has scored two goals on four occasions now for Swindon, having also got a pair on his debut last season. With a another double for Wimbldeon last season the Geordie striker carries a one-in-six ratio conversion rate of braces to triples.

Smith has taken home the match ball once, after getting his only three goals for Accrington Stanley during a loan spell in 2012, scoring three out of the four as Stanley beat 4-3 Gillingham.

Having got back on the scoresheet after a seven-game dry spell, the big forward is now gunning for his first hat-trick as a Town player.

“I got a brace last season as well, so the hat-trick is around the corner. I’m just going to have put that third chance away,” said Smith.

“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t become a bit more selfish (when I get to two). But it’s the decision making, if someone’s in a better position I’m not going to say I’d shoot rather than pass to them.

“It was a little bit of a relief (to score again) but if I can keep getting in those positions I will eventually put them away like I did.”

Smith had show to composure for both strikes, the first after Louis Thompson had put him clear and the second from the spot.

“Louis was saying before he owes us a few passes as he usually shoots from that area – which I don’t blame him for. But it was a good ball from Louis,” he added.

“I like to practice (penalties) on a Friday so I know where I’m going to put it. One of their lads tried to get in my head a bit, but you’ve just got to block it out a bit and concentrate on the penalty.

“It was nice to get the two goals but I thought my all-round game was really pleasing.”