Swindon Town knocked out of FA Cup by Manchester City

The Robins hosted the Premier League Champions last night (07 January)

Author: Phoebe GreggorPublished 8th Jan 2022

Premier League champions Manchester City have eased into the fourth round of the FA Cup after a 4-1 win over Swindon.

Harry McKirdy scored a consolation for the League Two side in the 78th minute, while goalkeeper Lewis Ward saved a Gabriel Jesus penalty.

The Blues had several first team players, and their manager Pep Guardiola missing last night, due to Covid 19.

The Robins say they were "delighted" to draw the Premier League Champions in the FA Cup despite being in League Two themselves.

"You made us all feel proud tonight lads"

Despite the 4-1 loss, fans called it a "great game" and made them "proud".

Swindon boss Ben Garner, speaking to ITV Sport: "I am very proud. They are one of the top three teams in world football. Our defensive shape was excellent, bit disappointed with some mistakes on the ball in the first half and it cost us unfortunately but we dug in. It has been a great cup run, great night for the supporters but now we turn to league football.

"We will keep working on that playing out from the back, keep improving. A fantastic occasion but our priority is League Two and getting promotion.

"We didn't get that first goal. Penalty save and then we scored and got a bit of momentum. Maybe if we got that penalty and 3-2 it gets a bit tighter.

"The players in there it is a great experience for them. Hopefully there is a few in there who will go on and play in the Premier League. I'd like to think they will.

"Our aim this season is the league and we get back to that."

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When Garner started his tenure in July 2021, just six first-team players were registered for Town.

Despite this, the Club have enjoyed a successful first half of the season. The Robins currently sit fifth in League Two, exceeding the expectations of many supporters.

Their simultaneous cup success has led to a sell-out for this tie, with more than 15,000 fans attending the County Ground.

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