Monday, 11 August 2014

Swindon Town 3 Scunthorpe United 1

Massimo Luongo has called on the Swindon faithful to give their full support to Michael Smith.

Midfielder Luongo, 21, was a non-playing member of Australia's World Cup squad in Brazil and he opened the scoring in the third minute before striker Smith sealed the win with a first half brace. 

Smith,22, came in for criticism from sections of the County Ground last season despite scoring eight goals following a January move from Charlton, but Luongo said:

"If anything he's the most important player in our team. That's why I think everyone should back him. He does the job and does what every good striker should do - he scores goals. His hold up play was good, but everyone loses the ball sometimes - me in particular."

Boss Mark Cooper also backed Smith and revealed:

"He had a go at me for bringing him off as he was on his hat-trick, but I'm sure he'll get plenty more chances for that at this club. No matter what anyone says about him, and he does get his fair share of stick, he scores goals and that's another two for him."

Striker Paddy Madden pulled a goal back for newly promoted Iron before Smith's second, but defender Marcus Williams was shown a red card for punching Swindon skipper Nathan Thompson.

Scunthorpe Manager Russ Wilcox said:

"Marcus's sending off was down to frustration. It cost us a little today, but it's going to cost us more in the weeks to come."

And midfielder Neal Bishop, 33, called on his new team to hold their nerve. The free summer signing from Blackpool said:

"You have to earn the right to play in this division. We worked hard in pre-season to prepare for more than 46 games not just the first one, but that's the standard we have to expect week in, week out."

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