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Town hero Blair Sturrock is mobbed by fellow substitute Chris Allen after hitting a last-gasp winner in Saturday's FA Cup clash with Forest Green Rovers

IT was written in the script, or perhaps somewhere among the stars, that the name Sturrock should steal the limelight at the end of the most turbulent week in the family's history.

Five days after his dad departed for his "spiritual home" in Plymouth, Swindon's last remaining Sturrock came off the bench to send Town into round three with a dramatic late winner.

Blair entered the arena to a chorus of boos from the home fans, but those same supporters were soon singing the striker's praises after his close-range strike finally saw off plucky Forest Green Rovers.

Had he shown a little more composure Sturrock could have added a second in stoppage time, but Rovers' gloveman Ryan Robinson made a fine save.

But for the softly-spoken Scot, his goal was a fitting end to a tumultuous few days in the crazy world of Swindon Town.

Sturrock said: "It would've been sweeter to score two, but I'll settle for one goal and go home quite happy for the team.

"Everyone has had a difficult week so we're relieved to have won 3-2 and be in the next round.

"I'll give my dad a ring and give him a bit of stick. He'll be happy because Plymouth won and he'll be happy that I scored to help Swindon win."

Town skipper Hasney Aljofree described the fans' treatment of his teammate as "shocking," but Sturrock revealed he was fully expecting a rough ride.

"I guessed it was going to happen," he said.

"With my old man heading down to Plymouth there was always going to be a few people that were disappointed.

"It's up to the fans. It's not a problem. It doesn't really affect me. They're just a wee bit upset and that's fine.

"I don't want to have a battle with the fans. It's their decision - it's up to them. I will work hard for them, and get as many goals as I can."

Until Sturrock's timely introduction on 83 minutes it was Forest Green's prolific marksman Stuart Fleetwood who looked set to grab the morning headlines.

After netting the equaliser - his 24th goal in 24 games and sixth in the FA Cup - Fleetwood provided the cross for skipper Mark Beesley to head the non-league side in front.

They may have been soaked to the bone, but the Rovers' fans behind the goal were singing in the rain at the prospect of claiming a second Football League scalp.

Indeed Alex Lawless' own goal after 13 minutes was a distant memory as the visitors racked up 10 corners, aided by a ferocious tailwind blowing from behind the Town end.

Hasney Aljofree rallied his troops with a stooping header and the match looked to be heading for a replay before Sturrock's last-gasp winner.

With a daunting trip to Carlisle tomorrow night, Sturrock is hoping to force his way into Dave Byrne and Ady Williams' plans and grab a starting shirt.

He said: "It's just a case of keeping my head down and getting on with it.

"When I was at Plymouth it was my job to come off the bench. I used to come on for the last 30 minutes to try and turn teams, to make something happen.

"The team here has been doing well. Me and Peacock were up front for a spell, but the two new lads (Paynter and Cox) came in and did well and kept me out in recent games, hopefully things will pick up for me now.

"But Coxy is back for the Carlisle game, so we'll just see what Budgie decides."

7:00am Monday 3rd December 2007

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