Slow starts, the gulf to League One, and hello to Princewill Ehibhatiomhan: Lessons from a night in Cardiff

Another slow start to a game in 2025/26. Another first-round exit in the EFL Cup. Another reminder of how far Swindon Town still have to travel if they are to ever become a competitive League One force again.

While Swindon did not disgrace themselves in south Wales, and there were again moments of encouragement for the large travelling support, it was hard to shake the sense of lost ground.

It is only a decade ago, remember, that the Robins reached a third-tier playoff final, their third promotion push in that division in five seasons.