Ward joy after vital strike (From Swindon Advertiser)

Ward joy after vital strike

6:00am Monday 19th November 2012 in STFC News

DARREN Ward believes his first goal for Swindon came at a vital time during Town’s 4-1 victory over Yeovil.

Goals from Andy Williams and James Collins gave the Robins a 2-0 lead before James Hayter grabbed one back, but no sooner had the Glovers pulled themselves to within a goal, Ward pounced to ram home following a free-kick.

The defender was not sure whether or not Hayter’s effort crossed the line, but thought his goal made sure the home side kept the initiative going into the break.

“It was disappointing for us to have given the goal away, especially because Wes is adamant it didn’t cross the line, but I was not sure,” he said.

“It happened so quickly I didn’t see it because it went over my head, and I couldn’t tell, but quite a few lads said he handballed it in, but he has given it and we have won the game.

“But for us to respond to that as quickly as we did put a real dampener on things, and gave us a real boost going into half-time.

“It was a free-kick we have been practicing by starting deep and going in, and Joe (Devera) has made a great run and the keeper has made a save, and I poked it in.

“I am over the moon because I have had quite a few chances, and I have not been happy with my goalscoring.”

The win lifted Town to third in the League One table, and Ward is keen for the club to progress and build on their current position.

“We have been working really hard, and I am 34 but I feel as fit as I ever have, and I hope you can see that,” he said.

“I am here to help the young players improve on and the club to move on.

“We have to turn the County Ground and make this place a fortress, and we want teams to turn up in the tunnel and be intimidated.

“That is where we have to get to because we have the team and we have the squad, and we can do it.

“We have a big game on Tuesday which will be tough, so it has to be game by game.”