SWINDON TOWN 3 CRAWLEY TOWN 0: De Vita's reaction (From This Is Swindon Town FC)

SWINDON TOWN 3 CRAWLEY TOWN 0: De Vita's reaction

12:59am Wednesday 22nd August 2012 in Sport

AN eight-month goal drought came to an end for Raffa De Vita at the County Ground this evening, and the Town man was ecstatic to be back on the scoresheet.

The last time De Vita found the net for the Robins, prior to scoring the third goal in the 3-0 demolition of Crawley at the County Ground, was on December 17 last year in a 3-0 victory over Morecambe in League Two.

But he crashed home from close range tonight, after collecting Matt Ritchie’s cross, and spoke afterwards of his delight at being back amongst the goals and being a regular member of manager Paolo Di Canio’s starting line-up.

“It was about time I got a goal and it’s always nice. It was the goal that finished the game off so I’m pleased with it,” he said.

“Starting the first few games of the season is a big achievement for me. Starting pre-season I didn’t feel like fourth choice but I knew there were a lot of players in my position with a lot of quality with (Gary) Roberts being brought in. So it was always going to be hard for me.

“I feel sorry for Gary, who got injured, but I’m pleased to get my chance.

“In the back of my mind I knew I had to work harder than last year and then, with the experience I gained last season, I knew what I had to do to get in the manager’s good books.

“Hopefully I’ll keep getting my chances and if I can do well it’s good for me and good for everyone.”

De Vita admitted he was not happy with his own performance during the goalless draw at Hartlepool on Saturday, but he thought the Town squad made the most of their opportunity to make instant amends against Crawley.

“We were very disappointed to start the season like we did at Hartlepool but personally I just couldn’t get going and I was playing below my possibilities and I wasn’t happy with it,” he said.

“I think tonight we put it right and I’m happy that the fans have got to watch this game and probably forgotten about the Hartlepool game.”