WES Foderingham has backed under-fire striker Michael Smith to bounce back from Saturday’s penalty miss in Swindon Town’s 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday.

The big forward was the target of plenty of barracking from a section of the home supporters throughout the match, as his first touch let him down.

Then the 22-year-old also missed a 13th-minute spot-kick to complete a miserable afternoon.

“He is alright,” said Foderingham, who made a superb save to deny George Saville on the hour mark. “He works hard and he is not going to let it bother him.

“He puts the work in but was not able to find the net. He has missed a penalty - it happens - but he is a big player for us and we will need him for the rest of the season.”

The keeper was full of praise for Town’s character in the win over the promotion-chasing Bees, as Louis Thompson’s goal on the stroke of half-time settled the game.

“Brentford are one of the best sides in the league and we stood up to the challenge really well with a good hard fought win,” he said.

“Brentford are a side that get in your face, they press a lot, press up the pitch, they get a lot of boys in to put you under pressure, so it was good that we could come away with a win and a clean sheet.

“Smudge was unlucky to miss the penalty but it shows great character from the side to keep going and that is what Louis is all about. He is all about the hustle, he pressed their lad pretty tight and won the ball off him and took a really good finish.”

The 23-year-old keeper admits that he did not see the Saville strike until late and he hopes that he can continue to keep the Town fans happy.

“He (Saville) has hit it clean, I have seen it a little bit late there were bodies in front but I have got across and made a good save to my right,” he said.

“I’m in the side to make saves and I will do the best that I can every week. I’m sure that if I keep making saves like that I will keep the fans happy.”

Town boss Mark Cooper was also less than happy with some fans throughout the game.

“Everyone was giving the ball away in the second half,” he said. “When you are a young player and give one or two away and everyone starts shouting it is not going to make you any better is it?

“The fans turned quickly today, especially behind me, I was getting dog’s abuse, but there we go.

“But they have stuck with us and I say to them stick with us for the rest of the season.”