Many supporters will fondly remember Swansea's last FA Cup run, that saw them reach the last sixteen of the competition and take the scalps of several
higher league clubs along the way. With the return of the First Round Proper this weekend, Swansea must face the somewhat tricky prospect of a trip to Cheltenham Town's Whaddon Road on Sunday. Kenny Jackett will be hoping that his first FA Cup tie in charge of the Swans does not end in defeat and the Vetch Field will see a repeat of some of last season's magic before it's demolition in the summer. Swans MAD looks ahead to this weekend's fixture.....
There is no doubt that Lee Trundle boosted his cult status with performances in last season's fantastic cup run, that saw Swansea progress past Rushden, Stevenage and Macclesfield, before dramatically beating Championship side Preston North End with two late strikes. Trundle scored in all four of Swansea's victories in last season's competition and won a "BBC Player of the Round", before Tranmere proved one hurdle too far in February. Cheltenham also enjoyed a respectable cup run, being knocked out in the third round by
Premiership outfit Fulham, after beating both Hull and Leyton Orient on the way. Both sides will no doubt be hoping to at least reach the third round again and attempt to draw a large side and the financial rewards that come with it.
Cheltenham's league form has been impressive of late, with the Robins winning four of their last five league games, beating Bury, Cambridge, Rochdale and Mansfield along the way. However, Cheltenham's poor start means that they currently occupy a distinctly average mid-table position and lie a few points outside the playoffs. Cheltenham were early visitors to the Vetch Field in August and snatched a credible 1-1 draw courtesy of a 40-yard wonderstrike from Grant McCann. That day saw the return of a certain Lee Trundle, who came off the bench to grab a crucial Swansea equaliser - the same man who snatched a late hat-trick to give the South Wales club a late 4-3 victory on their last visit to Whaddon Road.
Cheltenham will be without influential midfielder and apparent Swansea target Grant McCann for Sunday's encounter after the ex-West Ham player picked up a suspension last week. Influential striker Kayode Odejayi and defender Michael Taylor are the only two Robins definitely set to be out through injury.
Swansea will be without Andy Gurney, whose yellow card against Bristol Rovers lands the ex-Swindon defender a one match ban. Also definitely out are the injury-crocked James Thomas and Leon Hylton, while Andy Robinson and Izzy Iriekpen have both now returned to training.
So can Swansea keep their hopes of FA Cup glory alive and avoid defeat at Whaddon Road on Sunday?? Or will Cheltenham's home advantage push the Robins into the draw for the second round?? Either way, there will be a full match report online after final whistle.....
You'd be MAD to miss it!!!!!!!
 | Trundle's equaliser against Cheltenham in August |
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