SeagullSimon
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09:50 - 20 May 2004
Swindon Town boss Andy King believes whichever team scores the first goal in tonight's play-off semi-final second leg will win the tie. Town go to Brighton trailing 1-0 after Sunday's match at the County Ground, but are confident they can overturn the deficit and book their place in the final against Bristol City.
And King is adamant that the first defence to be breached will end up on the losing side.
"I think the first goal may win it. If we get it then great. If they get it then it makes the tie difficult," said King.
"I feel that the first goal will be the major influence in the game."
King described tonight's match at the Withdean Stadium as the biggest of his managerial career. However, he said whatever the outcome, the club must continue to move forward.
"Whatever happens tonight the players have been a privilege to work with and the town can be proud of them," said King.
"They have got this club back to where people want to be involved in it.
"We have to thank the directors for having a bit more faith this year and allowing us to bring in better players.
"The fans have also been tremendous and I hope if it goes wrong we can all still believe together.
"Because if they come through the gates it gives me money which I can try and persuade the board to spend.
"Swindon is a club that should be in the first division. And if progression with the stadium goes well it could cope with the Premiership.
"It's a big enough town and there are enough fans for it to cope at that level."
King will be boosted by the return of Stef Miglioranzi tonight but David Duke will miss out after being fouled by Leon Knight on Sunday.
However, club physio Dick Mackey said Duke would have a chance of making the final if Town win tonight.
Swindon Town boss Andy King believes whichever team scores the first goal in tonight's play-off semi-final second leg will win the tie. Town go to Brighton trailing 1-0 after Sunday's match at the County Ground, but are confident they can overturn the deficit and book their place in the final against Bristol City.
And King is adamant that the first defence to be breached will end up on the losing side.
"I think the first goal may win it. If we get it then great. If they get it then it makes the tie difficult," said King.
"I feel that the first goal will be the major influence in the game."
King described tonight's match at the Withdean Stadium as the biggest of his managerial career. However, he said whatever the outcome, the club must continue to move forward.
"Whatever happens tonight the players have been a privilege to work with and the town can be proud of them," said King.
"They have got this club back to where people want to be involved in it.
"We have to thank the directors for having a bit more faith this year and allowing us to bring in better players.
"The fans have also been tremendous and I hope if it goes wrong we can all still believe together.
"Because if they come through the gates it gives me money which I can try and persuade the board to spend.
"Swindon is a club that should be in the first division. And if progression with the stadium goes well it could cope with the Premiership.
"It's a big enough town and there are enough fans for it to cope at that level."
King will be boosted by the return of Stef Miglioranzi tonight but David Duke will miss out after being fouled by Leon Knight on Sunday.
However, club physio Dick Mackey said Duke would have a chance of making the final if Town win tonight.
