Planet Swans ArchivesIndeed the big defender has scored just five times in a career that now spans almost 500 appearances. It was 20th October 1998 when Austin last scored a goal – the second in a 2-1 victory for Lincoln City over Manchester City.
However, had it not been for a goal-line clearance at Southend yesterday he would have improved his goal tally by 20% for his career but you just knew it was never going to happen. His quick back heel was cleared off the line by Southend’s Nicky Bailey and the game ended in a 1-1 draw – a result that moved the Swans 10 points clear at the top of the league thanks to Doncaster’s afternoon defeat at Yeovil.
And with promotion now looking an almost certainty it could be wrapped up as soon as April Fools Day if results go their way, Austin was able to afford a wry smile as he looked back on the chance that never quite made it.
''The ball came to me really quickly and the only thing in my mind was to try the back-heel because if I'd taken a touch, they would have closed me down,'' the veteran left-back explained.
''I just tried to get some sort of shot away and it was a great stop by the lad on the line.
''It would have been nice if that one had gone in because if truth be known, I'm a little bit embarrassed about my goal record.
''But saying that my main job is to defend and generally we did that well,'' he added.
''I remember getting absolutely battered here a few seasons ago, but we battled hard this time for a hard-earned point,'' said Austin.
''It's always a tough place to come and the conditions didn't help us at all. We're a good footballing side and everybody likes to see us play good football all the time, but sometimes you can't do that.
''Sometimes you have to roll your sleeves up and do the ugly things and that's what we did here.
''We're reasonably happy with the way we performed and we're another point closer to where we want to be.''
