PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (3) v (1) Rochdale

SWINDON TOWN produced a dominant season-opening display at the County Ground as they put three past Rochdale to take all three points in their first League One game of the season. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the match.

GK: Matej Kovar (7)

Had a very uneventful game with Rochdale rarely threatening his goal. Made two comfortable saves and distributed the ball well throughout. 

RB: Paul Caddis (7)

A good attacking display from Caddis saw the experienced right-back enjoy lots of the ball on the right-hand side. Put some good balls into the box and supported Jonny Smith well throughout the game. Defended well when required and showed his game management to help Swindon to victory. 

CB: Akin Odimayo (7)

Wasn’t expected to be fit for today’s game after suffering a groin injury on Tuesday night against West Brom. But making his league debut, the youngster cut an assured figure alongside Fryers and used his physicality well to muscle Rochdale’s attackers off the ball. Needs to stay calm when on the ball in tight situations but that will come with more game time. 

CB: Zeki Fryers (7)

Back from injury and looked good as new as he marshalled Swindon’s defence. Had very little defending to do and carried the ball up into midfield well as Swindon pressed forward time and time again. A good all-round performance. 

LB: Rob Hunt (7)

Put in a display Swindon fans have become accustomed to as he produced a solid overall performance. Had good spacial awareness, was positive when on the ball and was rarely caught out of position.

CM: Matt Smith (8)

Produced a brilliant display partnered alongside Grant in the middle of the field and got a deserved goal to show for his efforts. Was constantly demanding the ball and displayed excellent passing technique to frequently get Swindon on the front foot. Read the pass from Rochdale’s keeper excellently to intercept and get his goal. 

CM: Anthony Grant (8)

Scored his first league goal in five seasons with a thumping header at the back-post after latching onto Diallang Jaiyesimi’s looping cross to make it two-nil Swindon. Was a constant presence on the pitch and didn’t give Rochdale’s players any time on the ball when in possession, constantly forcing errors from the Greater Manchester side. 

LW: Diallang Jaiyesimi (7)

Ran the show in the first-half looking a threat every time he was in possession and registered his first assist of the season with a superb cross for Swindon’s second goal. Endured a quieter second-half but the damage was already done by then with Rochdale never threatening to get back into the game. 

CAM: Jack Payne (7.5)

Ran tirelessly all game and was unfortunate not to be rewarded with a goal. Linked up play well and provided a great ball into the box for Tyler Smith to open the scoring. Had some good attempts on goal but just couldn’t find the accuracy needed to test the Rochdale keeper.

RW: Jonny Smith (6)

Was Swindon’s weakest link against Rochdale and never seemed to really get into the game. Did well to get into dangerous positions but was poor in one-on-one attacking scenarios and failed to make much of an impact. 

ST: Tyler Smith (8)

Responded quickest in the box to open his scoring account for the season with a well-taken finish on the half turn to give Swindon the lead in the 4th minute. Was a constant thorn in the Rochdale defence with his mazing runs in behind creating gaps for Swindon’s attackers to exploit. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Hallam Hope N/A

Brett Pittman N/A

Taylor Curran N/A