FA CUP PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (1) v (2) Darlington

SWINDON TOWN were the victims of another FA Cup first-round upset, as Darlington ran out 2-1 winners at the County Ground. Total Sport Swindon’s Rajan Hothi gives his player ratings following the defeat.

GK: Matej Kovar (4.5) 

Was sold short by Grounds for the first goal. Question marks regarding the second, but with the deflection it was always going to be a tough ask for the Manchester United loanee to save it - although his positioning was suspect. Made an impressive stop to prevent Adam Campbell from making it 3-1. 

LB: Ellis Iandolo (4) 

Should’ve scored early on, but saw his header well saved. Was largely ineffective and there are still big doubts with his defensive abilities. 

CB: Jonathan Grounds (3) 

Hasn’t been Grounds’ best week. A poor showing at Plymouth saw him at fault for arguably two goals, and he was at fault for Darlington’s first goal with a horrific attempted header back to Kovar. Was unlucky with a deflection resulting in the second goal, but not a good performance. Expect more from an experienced defender. 

CB: Akin Odimayo (5) 

Aside from a silly mistake where he was caught napping on the ball, Odimayo put in a fairly decent shift. Has looked promising, if not a bit raw, and has settled in quite well. 

RB: Paul Caddis (5) 

Can’t fault the effort. Always looking to create down the right, just wasn’t happening with Jordan Stevens. Not a bad performance, but certainly nothing special from the Scotsman. 

LM: Joel Grant (4.5) 

Looked a threat at times, but missed a huge chance early in the game. Showed flashes of skill, but hasn’t looked much more than a squad player for Town. Kept his composure to square the ball to Pitman for the equaliser, but was not threatening enough. Swapped wings with Stevens for the second-half, but did not bring around a change in fortunes. 

CM: Matt Smith (6) 

The bright spark in a bleak Swindon performance. Presses well, wins the ball back and has an eye for a pass. Played a vital role in the equaliser, with a brilliant pass splitting the Darlington back-line, but his discipline lets him down at times. Nonetheless, a decent enough showing from the Arsenal midfielder. 

CM: Anthony Grant (4) 

Just hasn’t looked the same at all this season. Struggling to keep up with Smith in the middle, and is often losing the midfield duels which you would have backed him to win last season. Still very good at winning free-kicks though. 

RM: Jordan Stevens (4) 

Another player who struggled. Was often in a 2 v 1 situation down the right which didn’t help, but when he did have a chance to get at the Darlington defence, his cross let him down. His blistering pace was on show at times which created panic for the visitors, but he didn’t really get going. Swapped wings with Grant for the second-half. Subbed. 

AM: Jack Payne (4.5) 

Another player who tried to get some creativity going, but ultimately failed. Wants a few too many touches at times, and was easily marshalled by the Darlington defence. Subbed. 

ST: Brett Pitman (4.5) 

On the face of it, a 4.5 rating looks harsh for a striker who scored, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The signing of Pitman looks a strange one, as the 32-year-old really doesn’t fit in with Swindon’s style of play. Was, for the large part, anonymous apart from his goal, and didn’t lead the line well. On the plus side, the former Portsmouth striker did score which should do his confidence some good. 

SUBS: 

Hallam Hope (5) 

Was said to have been carrying a knock post-match by Noel Hunt, but came on as Swindon pushed for an equaliser. Didn’t impact the game too much as Swindon failed to get themselves back into the clash. 

Rob Hunt (N/A) 

Replaced Jordan Stevens with under 15 minutes left and was strangely put at right-wing. Did not do too much in his brief cameo, as Darlington held on for the win.