'I can't fault my lads' performance' - Holloway proud of 10-man Swindon Town despite FA Cup exit

Swindon Town manager Ian Holloway was full of praise for his charges despite bowing out of the FA Cup on penalties against Accrington.

Having fallen behind to Tyler Walton’s 17^th minute strike at Wham Stadium, Town looked in deep trouble when Danny Butterworth was sent off for a challenge four minutes before the break.

But Holloway’s side rallied and got their leveller shortly before the interval when Grant Hall headed in.

Harry Smith then saw a penalty saved by Stanley keeper Billy Crellin just past the hour mark, before the 10-man Robins put themselves in front through Joel Cotterill.

Somewhat cruelly for Town, Nelson Khumbeni levelled to make it 2-2 in added time. Stanley went on to triumph 4-1 in a penalty shootout after 30 minutes of extra-time remained goalless.

Hollway said: "Everybody has watched it and I think that that was our best performance since I have been here, even down to 10 men.

"I can't fault my lads' performance, I thought they were very good. Everybody wanted the ball, everybody moved the ball, we were a handful, we created chances with only 10 men, and scored two with only 10 men.

"If you ask their manager then he is a very relieved man at the minute as his goalie made three out of four penalty saves in the match, which is quite unbelievable.

"I have told the players not to be down because we have to bounce back as my only concern is the amount of minutes with a game on Tuesday."

Meanwhile, Town have slipped into the relegation zone in League Two after fellow strugglers Carlisle picked up a point at home to Crewe on Saturday.

Swindon are back in league action at Colchester United on Tuesday (7.45pm).

(Picture: Swindon Town FC YouTube Channel)