David McGoldrick: ‘It Wasn’t My Greatest Performance, But Two Goals and a Win Are What Matters'

In a thrilling encounter at the County Ground, Notts County forward David McGoldrick rolled back the years with a standout performance, netting twice to secure a 2-1 victory over Swindon Town. 

The 36-year-old veteran was making his first league start of the season, and his impact was immediate, ensuring that Notts County maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Reflecting on his performance, McGoldrick expressed his satisfaction at finally getting significant game time, having been on the fringes due to the fine form of his fellow forward, Alassana Jatta. "It’s good to get some minutes," McGoldrick said. "I've been itching to get some game time, but AJ’s been flying, he’s been scoring. He’s finished off from last season scoring goals, so I’ve been waiting patiently, and I got my chance today."

Despite his modesty about his overall performance, McGoldrick acknowledged the importance of his contributions on the day. "I knew I had to put in a performance, and it wasn’t my greatest performance, but two goals and a win, and the win, the most vital thing – unbeaten still in the league. That’s the main point."

McGoldrick’s goals were pivotal in what was a hard-fought contest. His first goal was a moment of brilliance, showcasing the class that has been a hallmark of his career. Describing the goal, he recalled, "I remember the first one – I think it was like my second touch. Basically, I got the ball on the edge and then two of them [defenders] came running over. One went with the runner and it kind of left me a little bit to come back inside and as soon as I came back inside my mind was made up. And yeah, I remember that it flew into the top corner, I think off the post."

His second goal came after some clever play from teammate Jodi Jones. McGoldrick was quick to react and placed his shot perfectly into the far corner. "The second one, Jodi’s doing one of his dribbles, thinking he’d overrun it a little bit, and laid it off to me. I knew I was getting swamped so I had to get my shot off and reverse it through the bodies. I just remember it flying into the far corner."

The victory was not only a testament to McGoldrick’s individual quality but also to the team’s resilience. Despite facing considerable pressure from Swindon, Notts County’s defence held firm, ensuring that McGoldrick’s goals would be enough to claim all three points. "It’s not going to be free-flowing football all the time, especially away from home. Swindon are a good team with their own identity, so we knew we’d have to roll up our sleeves. We can’t come and play sexy football all the time – we’ve got to dig in, that’s what the league’s about, and we did it."

As a local lad, McGoldrick’s return to Notts County has been met with great enthusiasm from the fans, and the feeling is mutual. "It’s a great feeling, you know, that’s why I came back – to get those feelings. I scored a brace today in front of our travelling fans. It’s not a short journey for them, and they came in numbers, so I’m buzzing that we sent them off happy."

When asked about the competition for the number 9 shirt, McGoldrick downplayed any notion of rivalry, emphasising the camaraderie among the strikers. "Me and AJ [Alassana Jatta[, Ceds [Cedwyn Scott], all the strikers, we’ve got a great relationship. I love it when he scores, he loves it when I score. I don’t care who’s playing, as long as we’re scoring and the team’s winning."

McGoldrick also touched on the recent transfer window, dismissing any suggestion that it had caused a distraction within the squad. "No, I don’t think it did. All the lads are committed to the club. It’s the biggest club in the league, so why would you want to move anywhere else?"

Finally, McGoldrick shared a heart-warming moment involving young loanee George Abbott, who made his debut for Notts County. "It was a great moment for him. He looked good in training, a really technical, nice, polite lad. We pushed him forward at the end to celebrate with the fans – it’s what it’s all about."

As the season progresses, McGoldrick’s experience and quality will undoubtedly be invaluable for Notts County as they aim to maintain their strong start and push for promotion. For now, though, the veteran forward can savour a memorable performance that delighted both the fans and his teammates alike.

Read the Pride of Nottingham match report on Notts County's 2-1 win against Swindon Town to discover how David McGoldrick's two goals secured a vital win for Notts County.

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