5 things we learnt: Swindon Town (2) v York City (1)

After Swindon Town earned their first FA Cup victory of the season yesterday to progress through to the second round of the competition, TotalSport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his analysis on '5 things we learnt' following the match.

James Dunne is starting to turn his season around

Deservedly or not, James Dunne has been made a frequent scapegoat for poor performances this season. However, amongst a sea of recent mediocre performances from Town players, Dunne has been one of Swindon’s best. 

Brought in by Flitcroft last season to be an enforcer in Town’s engine room, the 29-year-old has had a patchy season under Brown with disciplinary issues a big problem early on. 

But yesterday Dunne was instrumental in Swindon’s victory. He brought the ball forward with intensity producing delicate passes to unlock York’s backline. Whilst in defence, he was a constant presence getting around the pitch to snuff out opposition attacks. Brown revealed he will be in the side against Carlisle next week and deservedly so.

Adebayo needs a rest

The majority of discussion surrounding Elijah Adebayo this season has been based around whether he is a striker or a winger. However, on yesterday’s performance, it’s evident that Adebayo needs a rest. 

The forward interchanged positions with Scott Twine throughout the match, but for large periods he appeared lethargic and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. 

Was presented with a golden opportunity to increase Swindon’s lead in the 68th minute when one-on-one with the keeper but was let down by a weak shot straight at Bartlett. Another poor showing from a player who showed so much potential early on this season. 

Scott Twine deserves a chance to be the main striker

Making only his fourth start of the season yesterday, Scott Twine put in a match winning performance displaying the qualities of a striker that Swindon have sorely missed this season.

He was energetic throughout the match using pace and fluid one-touch passing to put Swindon in goal-scoring positions. Opened the scoring with an instinctive backheel, Twine was willing to shoot and test York’s keeper throughout. Something that few Town strikers have done this season.

Yesterday was admittedly against non-league opposition and leading the line in a league match will test the youth academy product. But with Swindon having struggled for goals this year and Marc Richards evidently past his best, Twine deserves a chance to lead the attack.

A cup run would increase morale

Yesterday’s victory marked only the second time in the past five seasons that Swindon Town have progressed past the FA Cup first round. And whilst the Robins have been underperforming in the league this season, a cup run would do the club and the town the world of good. 

Financially earning £36,000 from yesterdays win over York, further advancement through the competition will help boost the clubs finances. Whether that money is spent on the club and its recruitment is something to discuss.

Wins boost confidence and if you dare to dream of reaching the competitions third round, then the prospect of facing one of the Premier League big boys would only increase the morale within the Swindon camp.

Young players provide excitement

Yesterday’s cup victory saw a new-look youthful and energetic side take to the pitch against York City. And whilst the scoreline was closer than Swindon fans would’ve liked, the football was entertaining to watch. Something that can’t be said about the majority of Town’s performances this season.

When going forward Swindon moved the ball quickly to get attacks going whilst the frequency of shots raining down on York’s goal got fans urging the team on. There were fewer cases of stagnant play than what fans have become accustomed to this season and the combination of pace and creativity made for an exciting match of end-to-end football. 

Admittedly younger players will make mistakes but that is how they improve and whilst the quality wasn’t always at its best, Swindon’s youngsters entertained the crowd.