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Smith makes a case for Cheltenham’s defence

Cheltenham Town forward Jonte Smith

?Jonté Smith, the Cheltenham Town striker, has reflected on the club’s 1-0 win away to Swindon Town in a FA Cup first-round replay at the Energy Check County Ground on Tuesday.Alex Addai scored a 50th-minute winner for Cheltenham while goalkeeper Scott Flinders produced a third-minute penalty save.There was also a slice of luck to Cheltenham’s victory as the home side struck the post twice.“It was a solid defensive performance from the team against a strong Swindon team and we’re happy that we were able to progress to the next round,” said Smith, one of two changes manager Michael Duff made to his starting squad.Addai also netted in Cheltenham’s 1-1 draw in the initial FA Cup first-round tie with Swindon on November 9 at the Jonny-Rocks Stadium with a late equaliser to force a replay.Cheltenham will play Port Vale at home in the second round on the weekend of November 29 to December 2.“The FA Cup is the biggest domestic cup competition in the world,” said Smith, who came off in the 61st minute. “I’ve had my fair share of drama with this cup, but it’s an honour to be involved in the first round proper.”Having secured their place in the next round of the FA Cup, Smith and his team-mates have now set their sights on their upcoming Sky Bet League One match at home to Colchester United on Saturday.“We’re happy to progress but now the focus is on the game on Saturday,” Smith, who was chosen as Cheltenham’s Autovillage Player of the Month for October after a string of strong performances, said. “We only look towards and focus on the next game at hand because each game is just as important as the next.“As a team we’re just trying to keep improving, continuing to learn and take on the information the coaching staff give to us.”Cheltenham are sixth in the League One table.