McKirdy double put Swindon in front of the tie

Harry McKirdy scored in each half at the County Ground to give Swindon Town a narrow 2-1 win over Port Vale in their League Two play-off semi-final first leg.

Former Valiant Harry McKirdy headed in from a corner to give the hosts the lead with 25 minutes on the clock.

An inspired Aidan Stone denied Swindon to double their lead before half-time after two great saves from Jack Payne and Jonny Williams efforts.

In the second-half, the hosts doubled their lead, after a good save from Stone but on the rebound the ball dropped to McKirdy who hammered home his second of the game to put Swindon firmly in control.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Port Vale were handed a lifeline, after Jamie Proctor initial shot in the box took a heavy deflection, and it fell into James Wilson's path to tap home.

The second leg takes place at Vale Park on Thursday night, with kick-off at 7.45pm.

"I dunno if they count as a former club..." 😯
"He puts me on the pitch, that helps..." 😯

Swindon's Harry McKirdy not mincing his words after punishing Port Vale in their League Two play-off semi-final first leg. 😅😅 pic.twitter.com/O60oKktMHO

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 15, 2022