Philliskirk earns dramatic win

MATCH-WINNER . . . Danny Philliskirk

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SWINDON 1 ATHLETIC 2

DANNY Philliskirk's dramatic late goal earned Athletic manager his first victory in charge of the team.

Pouncing to turn home a deflected Daniel Laffery cross, the winner came only two minutes after Swindon had levelled Mike Jones's excellent effort late on through Nicky Ajose.

And it came as a huge relief for the visitors, who were thoroughly in charge for most of this contest at the County Ground.

Carl Winchester almost scored for Athletic early on, taking a cut-back from Jay Fulton on inside the box and hitting a shot on the stretch which was well saved by Town goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux's legs. James Wilson's follow-up header also tested the shot-stopper's reflexes.

Philliskirk nearly got on the end of a Fulton cross-shot while at the other end, David Cornell dropped a cross and caused a goalmouth scramble.

The opening goal came on 34 minutes and it was well-worked. Winchester's flick on the turn was perfect for Jones, who cut in from the left and shaped home an emphatic finish from 20 yards out with his right foot.

Athletic took full control and Philliskirk went close with a left-footed effort which travelled only a foot wide.

The second half was initially a quiet affair, with the home side testing under-employed Cornell with a low Drissa Traore shot he held on to.

Vigouroux punched out a Jones corner that was heading in and Raphale Branco headed away as Michael Higdon waited to pounce.

Swindon's leveller came after 85 minutes. Ajose made a run down the side of the defence and his first shot was saved, but a second clever effort lobbed the defenders retreating onto the line.

Two minutes later, Athletic were back in front thanks to Philliskirk's second goal in as many games.