PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (2) v (1) Port Vale

SWINDON TOWN ran out 2-1 winners in front of over 14,000 fans at the County Ground as Harry McKirdy's brace was enough to hand Swindon the advantage heading into the second leg of the play-offs against Port Vale. Total Sport Swindon's Joe Acklam gives his Robins player ratings.

Manager Rating: 7

Ben Garner made the brave decision to leave the division's best goalkeeper on the bench as Lewis Ward cemented his place in the starting side albeit not impressing as much as he has in recent games. Garners defensive and offensive tactics were perfect for large parts of the game with Swindon creating chances in front of goal whilst rarely looking too troubled at the back.

Lewis Ward (4)

Ward did make one good save at the end, but overall he was not worked particularly hard. The issue was his distribution was very poor, losing confidence and not going short before scything the ball long with no accuracy. If he is to be Swindon’s keeper next season, he will need to put in a lot of work to improve this part of his game.

Mandela Egbo (6)

The full-backs were given plenty of space by Vale’s narrow front three and so Egbo had plenty to work with. He was solid going forward without having a particular moment to go to and he kept possession well. Defensively he was also very solid and stopped many open play crosses coming into the box.

Dion Conroy (6)

After all the criticism he has received this season, Swindon’s captain was once again very solid defensively and efficient in possession. He dealt well with the threat from set-pieces as Swindon gave away few clear chances.

Mathieu Baudry (6)

Baudry received a rating bump from his cool turn in the second half to ghost past a crowd of Port Vale forwards before setting Town on the counter. He lacks his partner’s range of passing, but in what could be his last game at the County Ground, he demonstrated all his experience and calmness.

Ellis Iandolo (7)

If Iandolo was stronger defensively then he would be the complete full-back. He was tireless down the left all afternoon and his cross to McKirdy was agonisingly close to getting Swindon’s top scorer a hat-trick. At times his lack of defensive nous shone through, but this was overall a very strong performance.

Louis Reed (6)

It is always hard to rate Reed because of how good he is, but this was a more standard outing for him. He can often take control of the game, but because of the way Port Vale defended, the space was out wide and the tempo was dictated from elsewhere. He was almost flawless when he did have the ball, but no true demonstrations of his real quality.

Jack Payne (6)

Payne was much improved in the second half and became the all action midfielder he is. It was his shot that created the second goal, but aside from that he never really unlocked the defence. His running helped Swindon take control, he just lacked a bit of creativity on the ball.

Jonny Williams (7)

Williams’ ankles will tell the story of his performance as he was often the target of Port Vale’s exuberant defending. Several big challenges went in on the Welsh international, but he stood up to it. He was brave carrying the ball through the thirds and moving Swindon up the pitch.

Louie Barry (3)

At 18-years-old it is unsurprising that Barry would have an off day, but for the most part the Villa youngster was anonymous. Aside from playing a big role in McKirdy’s chance he was not really a factor.

Josh Davison (5)

Davison struggled to hold the ball up against a physical Vale back three even if the quality of the balls into him were not great. Then his finishing let him down at 2-0 when he had a big chance to put the game to bed. He got stuck in as he always does, but it was a tough afternoon for him.

Harry McKirdy (8)

Harry McKirdy does what Harry McKirdy does. His overall contribution was a bit limited but when the opportunities arose he was there and made them count. He has so many qualities, but his poacher instincts have been crucial for Swindon in this run in and could be again as he returns to Vale Park.

Akin Odimayo (5)

Odimayo came on to sure Swindon up. They did concede after his introduction but that was not through his faults. He didn’t make any eye-catching interventions but he was solid enough.

Ben Gladwin (N/A)

Jake O’Brien (N/A)