What a difference a striker makes
Reporter: Matthew Chambers
Date published: 31 January 2014
THE hunt for a striker may go on for Athletic, but Saturday’s opponents, Swindon, managed to bring in a marksman who had an immediate impact this week.
Michael Smith signed for the Robins on a two and a half year deal from Charlton, to boost the firepower of Mark Cooper’s men. What an effect he has had.
A team that had drawn blanks in its two previous outings - both defeats - first saw off Shrewsbury at home 3-1 on Saturday, when Smith netted twice.
The forward followed that by netting a header to level the game at 1-1 to earn a valuable point at Walsall.
Town, who host Athletic amid an inconsistent spell of form in League One, have been hit by the return of loan striker Nicky Ajose to parent club Peterborough. The Robins are nonetheless still fighting for a play-off place.
The last meeting between the sides saw Athletic run out 2-1 winners at Boundary Park.
Carl Winchester’s wonder strike and a Danny Philliskirk header secured the three points, either side of an equaliser which arrived when James Tarkowski turned the ball beyond his own goalkeeper Mark Oxley.
