TWO-GOAL hero Keith O'Halloran tried to play down his two sensational strikes that paved the way for Town's comfortable victory over Gateshead.

The Dublin-born midfielder unleashed a dipping screamer to open Swindon's account after 17 minutes and lifted a delicate volley over the keeper to kill off the non-leaguers in the second half.

They were two of the best goals to have graced the County Ground in a long time, but the 25-year-old did not want to talk them up.

He said: "With the first one, we broke down the pitch and the ball was played back to me and I just smashed it and it went in.

"For the second one, I jumped up and knocked it over the keeper with my right foot.

"I don't score too many goals. I've got four now, and that's the most I've scored, and in so little time, so I'm quite happy."

O'Halloran had chances to claim a hat-trick, but chose to pass on a couple of occasions when he might have had a go himself.

He said: "I tried to lay on one or two, but then in the last couple of minutes I just shot as much as I could."

The former St Johnstone man was pleased with Town's overall performance, and was content to play in an unfamiliar role on the left.

"In the first half, we were a bit nervy," said O'Halloran. "But in the second half, we got on top and showed that we can play some decent football.

"I don't mind playing on the left. I get shunted everywhere. It was the same in Scotland, so I've got used to it.

O'Halloran was delighted at the reception the fans gave the team at the final whistle.

"The crowd have been through a lot as well," he said. "So it was nice to give them something to shout about.

"Hopefully we can get a decent run and get up the table. That's the most important thing. A cup run is just a bonus. We need points."

Striker Steve Cowe had been the forgotten man of Swindon Town but he could not have hoped to make a greater impact on his return to the squad.

Cowe scored two classy goals in just 19 minutes on the pitch and he was thrilled with his contribution.

"I'm delighted with the result and scoring the two goals," said the 26-year-old. "It was a good afternoon.

"It's been a long time coming, but I'm delighted to be back involved, and it showed.

"I'm not renowned for headers, but Youngy put it across and luckily I got my head in front of the defender's foot and it went in the corner.

"With the second, the ball came in, and I got a good touch and a good turn and I just put it underneath the keeper as he came out. I was pretty pleased with my touch."