Former Carlisle United man Harry McKirdy was the two-goal star for Swindon Town as they took a step closer to promotion.

McKirdy scored both goals in the Robins' 2-1 semi-final first leg win over Port Vale.

The ex-Blues forward was named man of the match after an impressive display at the County Ground.

He headed home a corner in the 29th minute before volleying home a second midway through the second half.

But Port Vale earned a late consolation when James Wilson turned home a deflected shot from another former Carlisle man in Jamie Proctor.

It leaves the semi-final nicely poised ahead of Thursday's second leg at Vale Park.

McKirdy is now on 23 goals from 43 appearances in an impressive campaign.

His latest double came against the club where he spent last season after his release from Carlisle in 2020.

The other semi-final sees Mansfield Town also holding a narrow lead over Northampton Town.

Nigel Clough's Stags claimed a 2-1 home victory in the first leg meeting.

Rhys Oates and Jordan Bowery scored first-half goals for Mansfield but Ali Koiki's second-half effort kept the Cobblers alive in the tie.

Their second leg at the Sixfields Stadium is on Wednesday night.

READ MORE: Carlisle United to face Stockport County after ex-Blues man Paddy Madden fires them to promotion