SWINDON Town manager David Flitcroft has urged a controlled approach from his side as they seek to avenge their FA Cup humbling at the hands of Stevenage when the two teams resume battle this evening.

Town were dumped out of the Cup by their League Two rivals in the second round back in December after falling to a heavy 5-2 defeat at Broadhall Way.

Flitcroft concedes that painful loss remains one of his most disappointing afternoons as Swindon boss since taking the helm at the club last summer.

Town travel back to Hertfordshire tonight looking to strengthen their promotion aspirations as a victory, coupled with results elsewhere going in their favour, could see Flitcroft’s side move level on points with third-in-the-table Mansfield Town.

Although Flitcroft is eager to see a positive response to Town’s previous pain at the hands of Stevenage, he does not that want to cloud his players’ focus.

“We were poor last time we went there so we will go with that wound inside us and try to put it right,” said Flitcroft.

“I was really disappointed as a manager and really disappointed for our supporters.

“I was watching the FA Cup on Friday night and then saw what happened on Saturday, it is something I love and to not get our supporters into the next round really hurt me at that time.

“We have got those memories but it is going to have to be a controlled focus and a controlled game plan that will hopefully set us in good stead.”

Tonight’s game is the second of seven for Town in the space of 22 days, having kicked off this tough run with a thrilling 4-3 win at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday.

With a hectic schedule to contend with, Flitcroft admits striking the right balance within his squad when it comes to selection will be crucial to how they fare.

“There will have to be rotation,” said Flitcroft.

“People will say players can play three games in a week. Some can, they are conditioned to do that, but some players can’t and can’t get up to those levels in their high intensity running.

“We have got to monitor that as we go along. Those things you are computing and calculating all the time, using the data and using your own eyes.”