Jonathan Forte and Archie Collins on target as Exeter overcome Swindon

Posted Wednesday, January 02, 2019 by PA

Jonathan Forte’s 37th-minute penalty and a beautiful second from Archie Collins got 2019 off to a perfect start for Exeter as they overcame Swindon 2-0 at the County Ground.

The spot-kick was well tucked into the bottom right-hand corner by Forte, but it was awarded in controversial circumstances as Sid Nelson’s challenge on substitute Matt Jay seemed to occur just outside the area.

Collins settled matters in the 68th minute with a wicked banana shot from 25 yards that would have been difficult for any goalkeeper in the world to save – and the New Year’s Day points were Exeter’s.

Neither goalkeeper was particularly busy in the opening 45 minutes but the hosts were in relative control prior to Forte’s penalty that gave the Grecians the lead.

Eight minutes before the break, Forte slotted home the opener from the spot, picking out the bottom right corner to put the visitors ahead.

Swindon’s best chance came 25 minutes from time when Kaiyne Woolery found space down the right and picked out Keshi Anderson, but the ex-Crystal Palace forward could only blaze over the crossbar.

Collins doubled the score with little over 20 minutes remaining as he fired Craig Woodman’s assist into the top corner.