Ref. 27823-100RHYS EVANS accepts that his unshakeable self-belief makes him vulnerable to the critics, but the young goalkeeper is determined to make the impact necessary to fulfil both his own dreams and those of his home-town club.

The 21-year-old excelled as Town triumphed 1-0 at Oldham Athletic on Saturday, and the Swindon-born stopper felt elated that he had at last had the opportunity to 'make a difference'.

He produced a truly world class save from striker Calvin Zola as Town shrugged off the early dismissal of Matty Heywood to emerge from Boundary Park with all three points.

Evans, who went into Saturday's match anxiously waiting to hear whether his partner Rachel had given birth to their first child, thwarted the Latics at every turn.

Goals have not proved a problem for King's men this season, but clean sheets have been a different story. However, this was Town's third successive league encounter where the opposition failed to breach their defences.

Evans said: "I was obviously very happy to keep a clean sheet at Oldham and, crucially for me, feel that I made a difference. I know what I am capable of, but you don't always get the opportunity to show it in a game.

"I've made no secret of the fact that I want to go on and play as high as I can, and if my progress coincides with that of Swindon Town then I'll be delighted."

Manager Andy King added: "The fact we didn't concede at Oldham was the most pleasing aspect of the day for me. It heartens me tremendously because I know we are always going to score goals at the other end.

"I thought Rhys Evans' save from Zola was magnificent and I think that stop probably turned the game in our favour."