`It's great to be back'

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Monday 27th Oct 2003.

RAY BAVERSTOCK celebrated his return to the helm as Swindon Supermarine triumphed 1-0 at Ilkeston.

Baverstock, who resigned as manager a fortnight ago, was officially reinstated on Friday after being offered improved terms and a two-year contract at Hunts Copse.

And the Marine players welcomed back their boss with a power-packed display which lifts the club to seventh in the Western Division.

"It's great to be back," said Baverstock. "The club want me to sign a two year deal this week which I'm quite happy to do.

"Now I just want to carry on where I left off and concentrate on trying to get this club a top-eight finish.

"We had six players out yesterday including Andy Grange, Chris Copp, Dave Slattery and Darren McCluskey, so I think it shows we have a bit of strength in depth now."

Both goals led a charmed life in the first 45 minutes, as Giles Harris rattled the woodwork after 10 minutes.

New Ilkeston player manager Phil Stant ­ an early substitute for the injured Aaron O'Connor ­ then hit the post twice with headers from Fabian Smith crosses.

Simon Futcher levelled the woodwork count when he struck the Ilkeston goalframe after opting for power rather than precision.

The breakthrough arrived 10 minutes after the restart as Justin Miller was brought down in the box by Joe Atkinson and Harris converted the resulting spot kick.

Chris Thompson and Marc Laws both went close for Ilkeston before home keeper Darren Horrigan prevented Jimmy Crater from extending the lead with a diving header.

Marine were forced to cling on at the end as Smith shot over from six yards and Steve Davies apparent foul on Thompson in the box went unpunished.

SUPERMARINE: King, Gee, Hawkins, Bennett, Davies, Hodson, Harris, Matthews, Carter, Miller.

Subs: Shand, Knox, Lane, Gill.

CIRENCESTER travel to Team Bath in the Dr Martens Cup tonight.

Supermarine entertain Taunton in the competition on Wednesday night.

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