PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (5) v (0) Walsall

SWINDON TOWN climbed to within four points of the League Two automatic promotion spots following their 5-0 demolition job over Micky Flynn's Walsall at the County Ground last night. Read Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker' Robins player ratings below and see who impressed the most.

GK: J Wollacott (7)

JoJo will be delighted to have kept a third successive clean-sheet as he endured a solid evening between the sticks for Swindon. Made a crucial save to keep during the opening exchanges to deny Walsall’s Shade and give the hosts a platform to build on. Distribution was impressive throughout as Swindon put five past Walsall.

RB: R Hunt (7)

Came in for special praise from Head Coach Ben Garner prior to kick-off and put in another competent performance against Walsall last night. Came unstuck a few times during the opening exchanges as Shade got the better of him but improved as the match went on and was rarely troubled by Walsall’s attackers. Hunt can play in many positions but seems most confident when playing as part of a four-man defence.

CB: J O’Brien (7)

Went through large parts of the game rarely unnoticed which is a compliment for a defender as if they are busy then it often means something is wrong. O’Brien was defensively sound throughout, winning his aerial duels, and always seeking to get Swindon on the front foot showcasing his impressive long-range passing ability at times.

CB: B Cooper (8)

Cooper has cemented himself in Swindon’s starting line-up since joining on loan from Swansea and appears to be a real leader in Town’s defence as he constantly gives orders to those around him and rarely looks troubled. Won the ball back on numerous occasions and impressed when carrying the ball out from defence up through midfield.

LB: J Tomlinson (8)

Joe Tomlinson is another January loan signing who continues to impress Swindon fans and last night produced a typically brilliant performance that many have now come to expect. Assisted Ricky Aguiar for his second goal with an accurate cut-back cross in the second half and was unfortunate not to grab a goal himself after testing the Walsall keeper from range on a few occasions.

CM: L Reed (8)

Reed looks like a man determined to drag Swindon to success this season and seemed to pop up everywhere last night as he was influential in both breaking moves up when defending and finding players in space when Swindon attacked. Less defensive responsibility has been placed on Reed in this new formation and he appears to be running the show in every game at the moment.

CM: E Iandolo (6)

Iandolo has enjoyed a run of games in midfield and despite showing moments of brilliance still looks a player being played out of position. His energy is unrivalled and last night he covered every inch of grass whether attacking down the wing or getting back to defend, however his eye for a pass still needs to be worked on if he is to develop into a full-time midfielder.

CM: R Aguiar (9)

Aguiar’s produced a statement performance against Walsall last night that will have silenced any doubters questioning his inclusion in the starting line-up. The 20-year-old took his first goal brilliantly to find the bottom corner after being teed up by Josh Davison and then found the top corner for his second as the ball fell to him on the edge of the box. Swindon may just have unearthed a gem with the acquisition of Aguiar.

LW: L Barry (9)

Barry’s potential has never been questioned, however, his ability to fulfil that potential often has. After scoring his first goal for the club against Carlisle, the Aston Villa loanee is now fulfilling those lofty expectations as he scored twice in Swindon’s five-goal routing of Walsall. Ate ground up with the ball at his feet for Swindon’s first goal finishing with a powerful strike and stayed calm under pressure to run through and bag his second. A brilliant evening for the former Barcelona graduate.

RW: H McKirdy (5)

Harry McKirdy has been Swindon’s best player this season but struggled to get into the game against Walsall last night. McKirdy is a striker who thrives on goals but last night just couldn’t find his feet in front of goal. Blasted an early chance over the bar into the Stratton Bank and was limited of goalscoring opportunities throughout.

ST: J Davison (8)

It’s not often you see a team win five-nil and the central striker not score, however, don’t let that take anything away from Davison’s brilliant performance against Walsall. Grabbed two assists to set up both of Swindon’s first-half goals and was so important in holding play up and bringing others into the game. The only thing missing from his outing was a goal.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

J Williams (6.5)

Williams has struggled to force his way into the starting side recently but came off the bench last night to seal all three points for Swindon with a tap-in at the back-post. Added energy to Swindon’s midfield when he came on and will undoubtedly be hoping to get more minutes into his legs between now and the end of the season.

R East (6)

Came on with Swindon five-nil up and helped control the closing moments against Walsall as Swindon controlled play to secure a third successive clean-sheet.

H Parsons (N/A)

Brought on with just ten minutes left and Swindon firmly in control.