FA CUP REACTION: Wellens rues missed 'easy' chances as Swindon exit cup

SWINDON TOWN manager Richie Wellens cut a frustrated figure in the press room of the County Ground following yesterdays one-nil home defeat to Cheltenham Town that saw his side eliminated from the FA Cup in the first round. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker spoke to Wellens following the defeat.

Having played out a frustrating 1-1 draw in the original tie at Whaddon Road, Swindon arrived at the County Ground seeking a relatively easy passage through to the second road of the competition having come off the back of a successful run of league games. 

Swindon had plenty of goalscoring chances over the ninety minutes last night, with Michael Doughty’s 2nd minute penalty and Jerry Yates’ headed effort that rebounded off the post summarising a lack of quality in front of goal from the hosts. 

Wellens however insisted that his side didn’t deserve to lose but admitted that an inability to take their chances cost Swindon. 

“I’m frustrated because it’s a game we didn’t deserve to lose,” said Wellens. 

“Cheltenham had one shot on target and scored. I don’t mind losing when the opposition are very good but tonight was different.

“We hit the post twice but should be scoring from those chances because they were easy opportunities,” he added.  

“The penalty would’ve got us off to a great start and then we had some real good opportunities. 

“We paid a heavy price for not putting chances away at their place and then we should’ve been more ruthless and finished chances but we didn’t,” Wellens said. 

The absence of Swindon’s top goalscorer Eoin Doyle has been evident over the two legs with Swindon struggling to finish chances in front of goal. 

But Wellens explained that every team will have ‘off’ days before stating that his team must recover for the visit of Mansfield as Swindon look to maintain their lead at the top of the League Two table. 

“We’re going to have them days but it’s important to bounce back against Mansfield on Saturday,” stated Wellens. 

“You’re looking at the match with twenty minutes to go and we had everything but we just needed someone to take the chance. 

"It’s a tough defeat to take and it’s difficult when you’re the better team. 

“I’m very frustrated with the missed opportunities,” he said. 

Swindon’s early exit from the FA Cup has seen the Robins scoop just £1,500 in prize money from the competition compared to the £6,750 now guaranteed to Cheltenham as they advance to the second round.

And with the January transfer window fast approaching, Wellens explained how Town’s inability to progress in the FA Cup has stopped Swindon from bolstering their finances as they attempt to recruit in the upcoming transfer window. 

“The money from the FA Cup would’ve been useful,” said Wellens. 

“We’re not in the cup to win it because that would be totally unrealistic but we were in it to go as far as possible and make as much money as possible. 

“That would’ve allowed us to strengthen the squad which Is the most important thing,” he said. 

Swindon Town return to the County Ground on Saturday afternoon where they face League rivals Mansfield Town.