BROWN: A cup run will help our league form

PHIL BROWN praised the youngsters of Swindon Town for putting in a commendable display against non-league side York City yesterday as his side progressed to the second round of the FA Cup. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker got the thoughts of the manager following the game.

A difficult game saw Swindon looking set for a replay before Steven Alzate’s 75th minute goal earned Swindon victory. In the aftermath of the match, Brown insisted he was happy with the result despite conceding.

“Its job done and the result is what we set out to achieve,” said Brown.

“I made a lot of changes, changed our system as well and worked at it all week.

“There was a lot to think about after the game we had behind closed doors on Tuesday but the job was done in the end,” he said. 

“I didn’t foresee their goal; I thought we were fully in control of the game. 

“But at half-time we were 1-1 and non-league side or not, they had something to hold onto and were probably hoping for a replay.

“I think we created six clear-cut chances in the first half and nine in the second, so to say we didn’t deserve the win is an understatement,” he added.

Making six team changes from the starting line-up against Colchester saw Brown field a youthful Swindon side. 

And on analysis, the manager highlighted his admiration for the energy his team demonstrated throughout the match. 

“The strike force had potency, flair, and forward-thinking players in the team with lots to admire,” he said.

“I was looking at our young group of players today and am thinking they did alright.

“I was quite pleased with a lot of the things and it was just putting together those last pieces of the jigsaw.

“I think we all want better for those players in those games and they’ve just got to learn to relax in front of goal,” said Brown.

“I’m delighted for Steven Alzate. He’s been in the team then out the team, he’s played alongside different partners, but he looked like he really wanted to play today.

“I was delighted for Dunne as well and he’s had a patchy season but has come back into the team having been left out.

“I’ve got to make big decisions now and that includes leaving senior players out. I asked the players to give me a headache in selecting the team for the Carlisle game and one or two certainly have,” added the manager.

Scott Twine making only his fourth start of the season scored his first senior goal for Swindon with a brilliant backheel in the first half.

And when questioned the manager was full of praise for the youngster.

“It’s brilliant and I’m really delighted for the kid,” stated Brown.

“He’s a lovely lad and a real pleasure to work with.

“He’s got a smile on his face every morning apart from when he’s left out and when he isn’t selected he’ll let you know in no uncertain terms,” he said.

“For him to get a goal in a first half where we created six chances I was delighted with him.

“He’s an impish kind of player with tenacity for getting on the ball and running at the back end of defenders, hurting defenders with his movement,” he added.

“I just want to see a run of games for him. I’m asking five or six players to play the way they train because some of the training sessions I’ve seen this week have been fantastic.

“I want the players to start wowing this crowd and we need to give them something to shout about.

“We’ve got a job to entertain, a job to win games and if we do that then the supporters will follow,” said Brown.

Now through to the second round of the FA Cup, Swindon fans can get excited about the prospect of a cup run, something which Brown believes will only help benefit Swindon’s league form.

“I’ve had arguments with chairmen, boards of directors, press lads, players, and managers, one of them being Sam Allardyce, about cup runs being a distraction,” said Brown.

“Cup runs can get in the way of a survival campaign especially in the Premier League for instance and that was one of Sam’s theories.

“As far as I’m concerned though we have a big enough group and a cup run can absolutely help our league form,” he added.

“Winning breeds confidence, if you’re going to Saturday to Saturday which we probably will over the next few weeks then I don’t see how the cup can get in the way. 

“Bring it on. Hopefully, we can get a home draw and now we just want to get into the third round and get amongst the big lads,” he said.