IT MAY not have been enough to avoid coming out on the losing side but Sean Murray was nonetheless delighted to open his Swindon Town account on Tuesday night.

After missing last weekend’s win at Oldham Athletic with a foot injury, the midfielder grabbed his first goal in a red shirt when, after being introduced as a half-time substitute, he stroked home a delightful side-footed effort from the edge of the area to tie things up at 1-1.

The former Watford man, 22, notched on his fifth Town appearance and says that he was desperate to get up and running in the goals department as he aims to contribute to his side’s offensive efforts.

“It’s what I’ve been waiting for, to get the first goal out of the way, and hopefully now I can push on from that because I’ve been trying for the last couple of weeks but now it’s finally come – I think there’ll be many more,” Murray told the local media.

“The main thing is goals and assists, and I think, as well, helping the team win. We need to start pushing up the table and win games, so I think goals and assists can add to that and help us improve.

“Obviously, I missed the Oldham game. My foot was quite badly bruised in the game before (against Bristol Rovers) and I just needed some time for that to heal.

“Fitness-wise altogether, I’ve played enough games now where I know I can complete 90 minutes comfortably so I feel like I’m getting there.”

Murray, who joined Town on the final day of the summer transfer window, also reiterated that he’s savouring Swindon’s style of play.

He added: “I think the style suits me – I said that the day I signed here and nothing’s changed from that.

“I think it’s perfect for me and you can see in some of the games that it does suit me quite well.

Head coach Luke Williams was pleased with Murray’s 45-minute display against the Cobblers, particularly with the technique his midfielder showed when grabbing his maiden Town goal.

“Sean Murray showed his quality. The finish was excellent because he’s quite a way (from goal) and he’s hitting the ball across his body at an angle,” Williams told the local media.

“His all-round play is exciting. He can play one-touch and I’ll look forward to him being at full match fitness.”

Meanwhile, on-loan defender Lloyd Jones, who has already had one spell on the sidelines with injury this term, is set to be assessed after only lasting 45 minutes against Northampton.

“Lloyd was struggling a little bit after the Oldham game (last weekend) and felt that he could play 90 minutes’ football but at half-time, it tightened up too much. He couldn’t get any range of movement in the leg,” said Williams.

“I don’t think, at this moment in time, it’s a tear or anything. I think it’s maybe the hips are in the wrong position slightly and need to be manipulated.”