Swindon Town concluded the year 2023 with a thrilling 2-1 home victory over Forest Green Rovers in a game marked by a dramatic turn of events, featuring two goals from Dan Kemp and a crucial last-minute penalty save by goalkeeper Lewis Ward.
The match began cautiously, with both teams seeking opportunities to break the deadlock. Swindon’s early chances included a cross from Dan Kemp to Charlie Austin and an attempt by Tyrese Shade following a skillful move by Saidou Khan. Despite their efforts, Forest Green managed to deal with the threats.
In the 16th minute, Dan Kemp had a chance with a direct free-kick, but it was blocked by Forest Green’s defensive wall. Tyrese Shade tested the opposing goalkeeper with a 25-yard effort, but Luke Daniels secured the rebound.
The first half concluded without any goals, setting the stage for an anticipated second half. The tempo increased early on, with Saidou Khan’s long-range effort testing Daniels, and Kemp broke the deadlock in the 56th minute with a superb finish after receiving a cleared ball.
Swindon continued to press, and Tyrese Shade’s deflected effort hit the crossbar, narrowly missing a second goal. However, Forest Green’s Matty Taylor leveled the score in the 74th minute.
In a dramatic twist, Kemp restored Swindon’s lead with a powerful close-range strike in the 82nd minute. The excitement continued as Forest Green was awarded a penalty in the final moments, but goalkeeper Lewis Ward’s heroics secured the victory as he denied Matty Stevens’ attempt.
With the win secured, Swindon now looks forward to their first fixture of 2024, an away trip to Crawley on Monday afternoon.
Swindon Town Starting XI: L.Ward, Hutton, Young, Khan (McEachran 88), Kemp, Brewitt, Godwin-Malife, Kinsella, Shade, Minturn, Austin (C) (Cain 75)
Goals: Kemp 56, 82
Subs not used: Evans, Genesini, Dworzak, Hart, Obodo
Forest Green Starting XI: Daniels, Bernard, Inniss (C), Jenks (Bendle 45), McAllister, McCann (Robertson 70), Stevens, Robson, Dabo (Lavinier 45), Bunker, Morton (Taylor 70)
Goal: Taylor 74
Subs not used: Searle, Johnson, Welch
Referee: Scott Simpson
Attendance: 9,075 (485 away fans)
Leave a Reply