Smith promises ‘more to come’ from young Robins

Smith was on the scoresheet on Tuesday afternoon as he helped Alex Ball’s side beat Ipswich Town Under-23s 2-0 at the Optima Stadium.

That was their sixth win from eight matches this season.

Smith said: “I’m delighted because everyone worked hard, we did what we’ve been working on in training. We did have to change shape but it worked well and everyone stuck at what we were trying to achieve.

“There’s definitely always more to come from us but we’re working well as a team, everyone has bought into what we’re trying to do, we’re working together and that’s the main thing.”

After a limited first-half showing, City took full control and it was Smith who opened the scoring, picking the ball up from Sam Bell after some great football down the right-hand side, slotting the ball home with ease.

Smith said: “We continued the second half more of the same. We were more confident and clinical in front of goal. We did have chances in the first half but we couldn’t find that final pass or break them down. We stayed patient and got the goals in the end.

“Personally, I was delighted to score! I’ve worked on that part of my game in training and I’m told to get into the box, add goals and assists to my game so I’m pleased to score today!”

Things are going well for the young group and Smith, who has also played men’s football on loan at Taunton and Bath City, can rightly be pleased with his performance against the Tractor Boys. And having been a part of the Academy since the age of seven, two years before his first contract, the midfielder has one target in mind.

“I’ve been here so long, I want to do everything I can to break into the first team, I love it and wouldn’t want to be doing anything else,” he said.

Next up for the Under-23s is a trip to South East London where they face Charlton Athletic on Monday, November 30th.