Top goalscorer, Lee Trundle marked his first start since returning from injury with a superbly worked team goal on 38 minutes.  The former Wrexham player then turned provider for Kevin Nugent on 58 minutes before a fantastic solo goal from the impressive Kieron Durkan capped a brilliant Swans performance.

Durkan had arguably his best game for the Swans since arriving at The Vetch last winter.  The 29 year old winger looks to have finally overcome his injury problems and David Beckham himself would be proud of the quality of his crosses into the box.

Thankfully for the Swans, Roger Freestone was also in superb form as he was called into action on more than one occasion.  His first major contribution was to deny Rodney Jack scoring the first goal of the game early on.

Brain Flynn made two changes to Swansea's back four.  Kristian O'Leary was solid in central defence while Richard Duffy also played well in place of Lee Jenkins at right back.  Michael Howard had one of his better days at left back.

Leon Britton and Andy Robinson returned from injury in midfield while Lenny Johnrose was recalled to replace loan player Mark Wilson who is not allowed to play in the FA Cup.  The difference these players made from Tuesday's LDV defeat to Southend emphasises how much the injuries are getting on top of our small squad.

It was soon after a world class save from goalkeeper Roger Freestone that Swansea scored their first of the afternoon.  A Rushden player's shot was well placed under the cross bar but the Welsh International clawed it away for a corner.

From the corner Swansea broke through Leon Britton and Kieron Durkan down the right before giving the ball to Trundle.  He turned his man with superb skill before sliding the ball to Kevin Nugent.  The experienced centre forward held the ball long enough to allow Trundle to turn again, and curl the ball into the bottom left hand corner from the far side.  1-0.

HALF TIME: 1-0

It took the Swans 12 second half minutes for them to double their advantage.  Trundle's fast feet allowed him to turn inside the area and lay Kevin Nugent off after he had timed his run from deep to perfection.  All that was left was for Nugent to hammer the ball into the bottom corner past Rushden keeper Paul Evans.

Freestone clearly wanted his first clean sheet in a cup competition for over two seasons, and another Football League goalkeeper would have probably had to wait longer.  At 35 it is a wonder how he got down so quickly to prevent Rushden scoring from a low and hard close range shot.

But it was Swansea's third and final goal that stole the show for me.  Kieron Durkan - usually the target of some uncalled for abuse by some Swans fans - picked the ball up near his own area and his fine solo run resulted in arguably the goal of the season so far, when from 30 yards out he lobbed the Rushden goalkeeper with the ball nestling into the top right hand corner of the net.

There was a massive standing ovation for Lee Trundle towards the end when James Thomas replaced him.  One he fully deserved.  It was nice to see last seasons top goalscorer James Thomas come on as his replacement for some much needed match practice.

Swansea will now play Stevenage Borough in round two of the competition, also at The Vetch Field.  Another performance like this one and we can be sure of the place in round three and a possibility of having a big club pit their wits against the Swans at The Vetch.

"It was a good all-round performance," he said. "It would be difficult to pick a man of the match because everyone was a contender and when that happens you know you've done well."

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