Swindon Town will visit Rotherham United in the next round of the FA Cup but according to goalkeeper Connor Ripley, the side are chasing bigger fish.
The Robins, who sit second in League Two, are hoping to make it to the third round for the first time since 2022.
“It’s a good game to show where we’re at,” Ripley told BBC Radio Wiltshire.
“We’re pushing to get to League One, so we’ll see how we fare. The aim is to get to round three and get a big dog.”
Whilst Swindon have not faced Rotherham for a few seasons, they have not lost to the Millers since 2001, with their most recent win in South Yorkshire coming in 2013 in a 4-0 thrashing.
Unfortunately for the Robins, the last time they made it out of the second round they were eliminated by Manchester City, the teams only game in the third round for 13 seasons.
32-year-old Ripley has had the same luck in the FA Cup, winning just one of his last six games in the competition with Port Vale and Morecambe.
This campaign, the keeper has been a main stay in Ian Holloway’s side, playing 11 times in the league including securing clean sheets in the team’s wins over Bromley and Newport County.
Swindon and Ripley have had a break this week, with their game against Notts County being postponed due to international call ups.
“There were a few on sunshine breaks and a few, like me, who’ve got kids who are swinging off your neck,” said Ripley.
“I had a bit of time at home and got to see my children. It was a nice, relaxing time.
“I haven’t got that many highs in the FA Cup. It is incredible, such an iconic competition.
“It’s a great draw for us against a team in the league above.”
Swindon Town’s Promotion Credentials
Whilst the FA Cup can be a welcome distraction whether you’re doing good or bad in the form table, it is clear that promotion out of League Two is the goal for Swindon Town.
Holloway’s Robins sit second in the table having lost just three games this season, two points behind leaders Walsall.
Originally the former Blackpool boss was brought in to steady the ship at Swindon, the clubs summer recruitment has matched the shift in ambition for the Robins. Adding the Ollie Palmer, a member or Wrexham’s back-to-back promotion winning alongside holding firm with forward Harry Smith displayed serious intent of moving up that table.
Recruitment matched intent and statistically, Swindon’s football is living up to the hype.
Aaron Drinan has taken over from the injured Smith and is the leagues top scorer with eight, averaging 0.89 goals per 90.
Swindon average two goals per 90, the best in the league alongside Grimsby Town. The club also sit top of the table when it comes to shots on target per 90 with 5.3, sixth in accurate passer per 90 with 283.5 and sixth in big chances created with 27.
Statistically the Robins match their position in the table and look the real deal. Swindon will face Accrington Stanley this weekend, before their rescheduled game with Notts County taking place on the following Tuesday. On the back of two wins, momentum is key and Swindon have it right now.
