Strikers FC ran out 3-1 winners over Swindon Town in a competitive affair in a drizzly Broughshane on Tuesday afternoon.
Swindon started the brighter of the two sides and threatened as early as the second minute, winger Harrison Edwards shooting just wide of the target after a fine run from the right hand side. The English outfit duly took the lead on five minutes, a defensive mix up in the Strikers defence led to an own goal as a defender headed the ball past his goalkeeper and into the wrong net.
The boys from California didn’t allow this to rattle them and instead responded in superb style, a stunning free kick from William Linas who shot low into the bottom corner from all of 20 yards. Strikers began to take control of the game and went ahead on 15 minutes, forward Pedro Reyes found space for himself in the box and produced a controlled finish beyond the outstretched grasp of the Swindon goalkeeper.
The American side maintained a level of control throughout the remainder of the first half and went into the interval deservedly ahead, though not through any lack of effort on Swindon’s part who battled fiercely to stay in the game.
After an entertaining first half the second proved to be something of a damp squib with neither side really threatening the opposition goal with any level of frequency. The Strikers did extend their lead and effectively wrapped up proceedings on 37 minutes when Jacob Silva scored a fine goal from the edge of the penalty area after a neat team move.
Strikers proved their superiority with further sporadic efforts on goal whilst Swindon never really threatened any idea of a serious comeback. In the end the game finished as comfortable win for the American visitors who face Middlesbrough at Anderson Park, Coleraine tomorrow at noon. Meanwhile Swindon Town must now regroup ahead of their clash with County Fermanagh at Rugby Avenue, Coleraine at 1.30pm.
Match Report by Jordan Miller.