By Simon Cole

FORMER Trowbridge Town defender Wayne Hatswell has joined Nationwide Division Two side Oxford United from Forest Green Rovers for £35,000.

The centre back, who was ridiculed across the nation on Match of the Day for his spectacular own goal in the FA Cup three weeks ago, had been pinning his hopes on joining Swindon Town.

Instead, the life-long Swindon fan has signed for bitter rivals Oxford United after a string of impressive performances for Forest Green.

Hatswell, who scored both goals in Forest Green's 2-1 win over Dover last week, managed to overcome the criticism from the BBC pundits to bounce back and secure a move to league football.

It was only a year ago that Hatswell's career seemed to be at a loose end at lowly non-league side Cinderford. However, a move to Forest Green and an impressive run of form have reversed his fortunes.

"I've done it the hard way, but Kevin Phillips managed it at Sunderland," said 25-year-old Hatswell.

Hatswell, who played for Trowbridge under former manager John Murphy three years ago, decided that a transfer to Oxford would be the best move for his career.