PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (2) v (1) Northampton Town

SWINDON TOWN extended their unbeaten run to three games today as they rounded off their week with a 2-1 home win over Northampton Town to stay above the relegation zone. Read below as Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the result.

Read our match report here.

GK: Archie Matthews (7)

Drafted into the starting line-up at the last minute to make his professional debut after Jojo Wollacott picked up an injury during the warm-up. Made some good saves to keep Swindon in the game and looked confident coming off his line to collect crosses and balls into the box. A good all-round debut.

RWB: P Caddis (6)

A pretty uneventful afternoon for the experienced defender saw Caddis produce some good balls into the box whilst not having to do much defensively after being given the freedom to get forward. Produced a brilliant last-ditch sliding block to deny Fraser Horsfall from scoring in the 50th minute.

CB: D Conroy (C) (5)

Not his best performance at the heart of Swindon’s defence and could’ve been responsible for conceding more goals if Northampton’s attackers had been better in the final third. Poor in his passing, caught out of position on too many occasions and looked shaky when the Cobblers attacked. 

Embarrassed by Mickel Miller in the 61st minute after being nutmegged by the attacker who was then through on goal. 

CB: T Broadbent (5.5)

Part of a Swindon defence that was below par today and against a better side would’ve conceded more. Caught out on occasions when forced into a footrace with Northampton’s attackers, however, improved in the second half and looked a lot more aware of the threats around him. Almost gave Swindon the opening goal with his header in the 18th minute put just over the bar.

CB: J Grounds (5)

Had one thing on his mind when in possession and that was to hoof the ball upfield as he hoped to find Swindon’s attackers. Unfortunately, this hit and hope method lacked accuracy with passes rarely finding their designated target. Looked ok defensively at times but not his best performance and must improve if Swindon are to get anything out of their upcoming trip to Sunderland.

LWB: D Thompson (4.5)

We’ve put Thompson down as a left wing-back due to his determination to get back and defend, however, truth be told he was deployed as more of a left-winger up until being hooked off in the 56th minute. Struggled in this match and looked well below his best when going forward. Didn’t seem to know where to position himself and was too often caught between pushing forward and staying back. A difficult afternoon.

CM: M Palmer (6.5)

Was robust in midfield and enjoyed quite a lot of the ball, putting some good crosses into Northampton’s box and was crucial in getting Swindon on the front-foot. Seems to be playing his best football in a midfield three with Payne and Twine, however his willingness to attack sometimes leaves Swindon’s defence with no protection.

CM: J Payne (8)

Arguably Swindon’s best player this afternoon as Payne chased down every loose ball and was key to Swindon earning three points. Ran tirelessly all afternoon as he pressed high at every opportunity and frequently won possession for Swindon before starting attacks. Linked up well with Twine throughout and was at the heart of the majority of his side’s attacks. A good performance and will undoubtedly feature against Sunderland on Tuesday.

CM: S Twine (8)

Seems to have developed a good relationship alongside Matty Palmer and Jack Payne in recent games, and was effective again today as his interlink passing with those around him allowed Twine to work his way into dangerous positions. Won the free-kick that led to him scoring a brilliant goal from 25-yards out as he managed to get his shot over the wall and into the top corner. Twine is quickly becoming the most important figure in this Swindon team and long may that continue.

ST: B Pitman (7.5)

Worked his socks off all game and was rewarded with the winning goal as his header in the 69th minute left Mitchell scrambling across his goal and unable to deny Pitman from scoring his sixth goal of the season. Was brilliant when defending set-pieces as he won countless defensive headers to help Swindon clear any danger. Swindon have never lost a game in which Pitman has scored, so more of the same will be much appreciated.

ST: J Garrick (7.5)

Has been very impressive in the last couple of games and seems to have been able to put a difficult start to his Swindon career behind him. Started as a striker alongside Pitman but soon drifted over to the right-wing where he was at this most effective. Enjoyed an entertaining battle against Joseph Mills and came out on top as his pace allowed him to get in behind and set up the winning goal. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

H Hope (5)

Did well when he was introduced just before the hour mark and was effective at stretching the game and holding up play.