CHRIS Maguire cannot wait for a ‘friendly’ welcome from the Swindon Town supporters when Oxford United visit for Sunday’s derby clash.
The Scot scored both goals in the 2-0 win over the Robins in the reverse fixture at the Kassam Stadium in September.
It extended United’s dominance over their bitter rivals to an
unprecedented six successive victories.
The sides have since played out a goalless draw in the Checkatrade Trophy, where Swindon celebrated wildly after winning the resulting penalty shoot-out to claim a bonus point.
Maguire enjoys winding up opposition supporters at the best of times, but relished celebrating his opening goal in the league game right front of the travelling fans who had been quick to get on his back.
And the forward is expecting to be singled out at the County Ground, which United’s No 10 believes will get the best out of him.
He said: “It’s a little team across the road we’ve got a game against.
“I’m looking forward to a warm reception. I’m sure I’ll give them a nice one back.
“Hopefully they will remember me, obviously for the wrong reasons.
“I’ve been involved in big games before and I like to wind crowds up.
“They tried to wind me up and it bounced back and bit them on the backside.
“If they want to keep doing that, I’ll have the last laugh.
“It just spurs you on if people are shouting at you. It’s the best way to shut them up.”
The derby is the latest in a series of big games for United.
After thrashing Rochdale 4-0 to end the hosts’ ten-game winning run at Spotland in Sky Bet League One, Michael Appleton’s side have knocked Newcastle United out of the Emirates FA Cup 3-0 and beaten Bradford City 2-1 to reach the Checkatrade Trophy semi-final.
Maguire can feel the side are on a roll, but knows a win at Swindon to complete the second successive league double would be special.
He said: “They will try and be up for it because they have to try and put one over us for the first time in years.
“The place is buzzing. It’s been a great ten days for the club and we want to keep that going.
“Looking at the league table they’re not doing too well, but everybody knows a derby match is different.
“On the day it’s who wants it more and who keeps their composure.
“We’ll got out there, be professional and hopefully we can win it.”
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