MK Dons advance in FA Cup after grinding out win over Swindon Town

MK Dons are through to the second round of the FA Cup as they ground out a 2-1 win over League Two side Swindon at Stadium MK.

Early goals by Marvin Ekpiteta and Aaron Collins ultimately proved decisive for Paul Warne’s side, with Swindon’s Aaron Drinan scoring a goal back in first half stoppage time but the hosts holding out to take the win.

The result means that the Dons reach the FA Cup Second Round for the second campaign in a row.

Having thumped Doncaster in their last outing, Warne’s side were looking to extend their winning run as they welcomed a Swindon side currently sat in the bottom half of the League Two table.

It would be an early advantage for Warne’s side on a slightly misty afternoon in Milton Keynes as they took the lead inside six minutes. From a free-kick by the corner flag, MK Dons worked space for Collins. Rather than shooting, the Dons’ top scorer fed Charlie Goode, who drilled in a low cross for fellow centre-back Ekpiteta to bundle in at the back post for his second goal in as many games.

Away keeper Connor Ripley would be kept busy in the opening stages, with the veteran making a great save to deny Elijah Campbell and a more straight forward one to thwart Sam Silvera.

But a second goal would come the home side’s way in the 13th minute. Campbell picked up space down the left and the Dons man played a fine curled pass into the path of Collins, who got just enough on it to dab the ball past Ripley and in for his 17th goal of an impressive season to date.

Ripley would also deny Alex Gilbey, before Swindon had their first major opportunity of note as Drinan got space to meet a cross from the Robins’ right flank and saw his shot denied at close range by recalled home keeper Craig MacGillivray.

Swindon dangerman Drinan would get on the scoreboard in first half stoppage time, however. Matty Virtue’s cross caused trouble in the Dons box and after the hosts failed to clear following two initial attempts, Drinan was on hand to thump the ball home and bring the visitors back into the game.

Much of the second half would be played in the Dons’ half as Swindon attempted to equalise, but the visitors found themselves unable to create a great deal of chances, allowing the Dons to frustrate the visitors as time ticked away.

Ekpiteta would miss a chance to make sure of victory for the Dons with a header that clipped the side-netting, which came in-between moments for Swindon as MacGillivray denied a looping effort from sub Ollie Palmer and made a big stop to keep out Swindon scorer Drinan.

Ripley would then make two good saves in a matter of minutes to deny Ben Wiles, before MacGillivray made another important stop as he kept out an effort from Swindon sub Jaylan Pearlman in second half stoppage time.

But ultimately Swindon would run out of time, allowing MK Dons to run out the clock and confirm they would be remaining in the FA Cup for an extra stage.

MK Dons: MacGillivray – Ekpiteta, Goode, Sanders – Silvera (Jones 45), Wintle, Crowley (Wiles 45), Gilbey, Campbell (Bramall 80) – Nombe (Paterson 61), Collins (Fullah 80)

Subs not used: Stacey, Barlaser, Matete, Nelson

Goal: Ekpiteta (6), Collins (13)

Booked: Sanders

Swindon: Ripley – Ball (Millard 90), Negru, Butler – McGregor (Majekodumi 62), Munda (Nichols 62), Thomson, Clark – Virtue (Palmer 73), Snowdon (Pearman 73) – Drinan

Subs not used: Ward, Hackford, Griffiths-Brown

Goal: Drinan (45+1)

Booked: Munda, Nichols