Ian Holloway hails ‘fantastic performance’ as 10-man Swindon advance in FA Cup

Nov 1, 2025 1 min read
Swindon manager Ian Holloway was delighted with his side’s display at Rotherham (Nigel French/PA)
Swindon manager Ian Holloway was delighted with his side’s display at Rotherham (Nigel French/PA)

Swindon manager Ian Holloway praised his side for their fighting spirit after they edged out Rotherham 2-1 with 10 men after extra-time.

Darren Oldaker finally settled the tie with four minutes left on the clock as his low effort beat Cameron Dawson and sent Holloway’s boys through.

Holloway said: “I was delighted with some of the football we played.

“All in all I thought that was a fantastic performance away from home against a team that’s won four in a row.

“The dressing room is buzzing, with 10 men to do that. We didn’t let their goal affect us. We kept going.

“At the end of the day we’ve managed to get through. I am delighted for the lads and hopefully we will get a big draw and see what happens.”

Sam Nombe ghosted by the Swindon defence in the first five minutes and forced an effort beyond Connor Ripley for the opener.

Swindon staged an onslaught in the second half with Dawson kept busy.

They finally forced home the leveller through Palmer after he bundled in Aaron Drinan’s cut-back.

Substitute Princewill Ehibhatiomhan’s header then cannoned off the crossbar.

Drinan lost his cool in added on time and threw a punch at Dan Gore to earn a straight red card, but Swindon still had enough to get through.

Rotherham manager Matt Hamshaw said: “It’s hugely disappointing.

“I didn’t think we were at our best and I thought Swindon fully deserved the win.

“I was disappointed with the second half.

“I thought we could have been two or three up at half-time, but we did not capitalise on that.

“We almost came out with a little bit of complacency, which I’m not happy about.

“I just thought we probably let ourselves down.”

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