PLAYER RATINGS: Oxford United (1) v (2) Swindon Town

SWINDON TOWN recorded their first league win over Oxford United in 19 years today as Tyler Smith's stoppage-time heroics have John Sheridan's Town side all three points at the Kassam Stadium. Read below as Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings.

Picture credit: Swindon Town

GK: Matej Kovar (8)

A solid performance from the Swindon keeps saw him made a string of an impressive saves to keep his side in this match. Made a brilliant diving save to deny Kelly in the 25th minute and impressed with his determination to claim high balls played into his box. A better showing from the youngster.

RB: Akin Odimayo (7)

Started at right-back before switching to central defence mid-way through the first-half as Baudry went off injured. Was strong in his challenges and smart with his forward play to help transition Swindon from defence to attack. 

CB: Jonathan Grounds (7)

Back in the side and produced an overall solid performance. Has come under criticism recently but today was an improved showing from the centre-back. Stayed strong in defence and positioned himself well to make some key blocks.

CB: Mathieu Baudry (6)

Looked a comfortable presence at the heart of Swindon’s defence for the opening ten minutes and was enduring a good physical battle with Matty Taylor prior to going down injured and being replaced just 24 minutes in.

LB: Dion Donohue (7)

Has become arguably Swindon’s most consistent player recently and put in another hard shift against Oxford today. Did well to deal with the threat of Kelly who attempted to get the better of Donohue with the full-back also a constant ball carrier out of defence. Contributed to attacks well and linked up well with Jaiyesimi when he came on.

CM: Paul Caddis (6.5)

Picked to perform in the central midfielder position again but struggled at times against the high-intensity Oxford press. His poor touch was the catalyst for Oxford’s goal, but Caddis did well to recover afterwards and went on some good runs through midfield. Replaced early in the second half.

CM: Matt Smith (8)

Was given licence to roam today after being deployed in the number ten position again and was a constant problem for the Oxford defence. His late runs to the edge of the box often allowed him to fire shots on goal, whilst his dribbling and passing was influential in Swindon creating chances. If Swindon can get another defensive midfielder in behind him then Smith should excel in this playmaker position.

CM: Anthony Grant (7.5)

Produced a determined defensive performance and was the glue between defence, midfield, and attack. Played with the aggression you would expect from a derby match and put in some meaty challenges whilst also staying calm when in possession. A solid outing from the midfield general.

LW: Joel Grant (6)

Put in some dangerous crosses, including a wonderful ball across the face of the Oxford goal which Jordan Stevens should’ve arguably scored from. But apart from that he didn’t do much else and was replaced by Payne before half-time.

RW: Jordan Stevens (6)

His electric pace meant he was the out-ball for large parts of this game and Stevens caused all-sorts of trouble for Ruffels who just couldn’t seem to get hold of the Swindon winger. However, Stevens too often would rush in the final third and waste good opportunities such as when he was one-v-one with the keeper in the 6th minute but sliced his shot well wide.

ST: Tyler Smith (8.5)

Had little to do all game but produced the winning goal in additional time to write his name into the Swindon record books. Forget the fact that Smith was isolated for the majority of the game and rarely got a touch, he produced the most important touch of the game to tap the ball past Eastwood and win Swindon the match. Legend.

SUBSTITUTIONS: 

Tom Broadbent (9)

What a turnaround this mans Swindon Town career has had. Not even included in the squad at the start of the season and today was deployed as a makeshift centre-forward, scoring the equaliser and setting up the winning goal. Sheridan brought the defender on to add some physical presence to Swindon’s strike force and Broadbent did just that, outmuscling the Oxford defence and lashing the ball past Eastwood in the 83rd minute. Hero.

Jack Payne (7)

After being brought on as a substitute just before the first-half ended, Payne was both energetic and creative as he helped turn this match on its head fro Swindon. Picked the ball up in tight pockets and was willing to take risks. Had some decent shots on goal which were blocked well but this was an improved cameo performance from the midfielder.

Rob Hunt (7)

Replaced Mathieu Baudry and defended well up against Obita. Didn’t contribute much going forward after being instructed to stay back, however after a disappointing start to the season, this was a good outing for the versatile full-back.

Diallang Jaiyesimi (7)

Back from injury and brought on in the 60th minute, Jaiysemi offered a didn’t type of threat to what Swindon have had so far this season with his marauding dribbles and silky footwork forcing Oxford’s defenders onto the back-foot. Looked sharp and will only improve as he builds his match fitness up.