Swindon Town exited the FA Cup after a 2-1 first-round defeat at Milton Keynes Dons, but manager Ian Holloway took significant encouragement from the performance. The League Two side, who sit 13th in the table on 19 points, conceded twice inside 13 minutes before Aaron Drinan pulled a goal back just before half-time.

Marvin Ekpiteta opened the scoring for the hosts from a wide free-kick, a goal Holloway was frustrated with due to a lack of organisation. Aaron Collins, who now has 17 goals this season, quickly added a second by finishing from close range. Holloway said that double strike "could have killed many teams," but his side rallied.

Holloway's reaction

Ian Holloway was pleased with how his players responded. "I'm taking that as a positive, as I think we still looked a very good team," the manager said. He believed Swindon did enough to force extra time, creating chances and lifting the team with contributions from players who had not featured much before. "You wouldn't know which team was in League One, in my honest opinion," Holloway added, praising his side's commitment after a difficult start.

Swindon pushed hard after the break but could not find an equaliser, with the manager noting they simply ran out of time and lacked a little luck. The performance continues a mixed recent run for the Robins, whose form over the last five games reads two wins, two draws and one defeat. Top scorer Aaron Drinan, who netted the consolation, has now scored 22 goals in 40 appearances this season.

Paul Warne's MK Dons made only one change, with goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray making his first appearance since mid-September. Swindon's lineup saw Dan Butler, who provided an assist in the recent league win over Rotherham, booked during the match. Holloway will now prepare his team for a quick return to League Two action, with a home fixture against Grimsby Town this Saturday. The manager will be looking to build on the positives from the cup exit, particularly the resilience shown after conceding two goals within the opening 13 minutes at Stadium MK. Attention now turns swiftly back to League Two, with a home game against sixth-placed Grimsby Town next on the fixtures schedule for Saturday.

The original report is at swindonadvertiser.co.uk

The club's verified match data from Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Stadium MK has now been published. It confirms James Ball provided the assist for Aaron Drinan's 45th-minute consolation goal. The data also shows Swindon had 46% possession and forced four saves from MK Dons keeper Craig MacGillivray. Anthony Munda and substitute Tom Nichols received yellow cards for the Robins. Attention now turns to an EFL Trophy trip, with Swindon visiting Plymouth at Home Park on Tuesday, November 10th, for a 7pm kick-off.