PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (1) v (1) Bristol Rovers

SWINDON TOWN struggled to break down a robust Bristol Rovers defence as Ben Garner's Robins played out an emotionally-charged 1-1 draw at the County Ground earlier today. Read below as Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings.

Manager Rating: (7)

Garner named an unchanged side from the team that was victorious over Port Vale during the week and looked to play a quicker game than usual as they matched the intensity shown by Bristol Rovers. Admitted his team got too emotionally invested in the game and that seemed to cost Swindon in the end.

GK: L Ward (6)

Kept his place in the side despite Wollacott returning from the AFCON Cup of Nations and did well to come off his line when balls were put into the box but still creates an aura of worry when playing out with the ball at his feet. Likely to be benched in favour of Wollacott for next week’s trip to Colchester

RWB: R Hunt (6.5)

Effective in both attacking and defending and endured a large number of attacks down his flank but did well to stay on his feet and put in some good challenges. Kept hold of possession well and looked confident throughout.

CB: J O’Brien (7)

Used his strength and height to his advantage to win countless aerial duels against Bristol’s attackers. Produce some hard-hitting tackles that got the fans off their feet and was effective at bringing the ball out from defence.

CB: D Conroy (6.5)

Endured a very physical battle with striker Ryan Loft, often getting the better of the striker as Bristol looked to play quickly on the counter-attack. Some of his passing to teammates was questionable at times but he defended well when Rovers looked dangerous in and around the Swindon box.

CB: A Odimayo (5.5)

When defending in one-on-one scenarios Odimayo at times looked afraid to commit himself and make a challenge as Rovers were allowed plenty of the ball around the Swindon box. Did well in the air and made some important interceptions but also put some of his teammates under unwarranted pressure with some of his passing.

LWB: E Iandolo (7)

Rocketed up and down the left flank with his speed and willingness to get forward often kickstarting Swindon’s best attacks. Was at times caught having to chase back when Bristol looked to play on the counter-attack and picked up a yellow card in the second half for a rash challenge.

CM: L Reed (7.5)

Everything seemed to go through Reed today with the defensive midfielder often picking up possession inside Swindon’s half and then looking to release Simpson or McKirdy further forward. Was tenacious in his pressing and winning back possession for Swindon but will have been frustrated by a lack of shooting opportunities in front of goal.

CM: B Gladwin (6)

Kept his place in the starting side after last weekend’s MOTM performance against Port Vale but put in a mixed performance against Port Vale today. Put his brilliant range of passing on display for all to see at times but was also too frequently caught in possession when he took too long on the ball as Bristol pressed with intensity.

CM: J Williams (6.5)

Got kicked to pieces throughout the match and it was a surprise to see him walk off uninjured at the end. Dribbled at the opposition with intent but often struggled to find a way through as Rovers set two men on him when in possession. Didn’t do anything spectacular throughout the 90 minutes as Swindon struggled to create clear-cut chances.

ST: H McKirdy (6)

Cut a frustrated figure for large parts of the game and had to be walked away from the referee by Ben Garner following the full-time whistle after McKirdy felt officiating decisions had cost Swindon. Was starved of chances apart from a few tame shots on target in the second half.

ST: T Simpson (8)

Opened the scoring with a brilliant curling effort in the 16th minute after being allowed time on the ball by the Rovers defence. Continued to cause problems with his hold-up play and direct running throughout with Simpson going close to scoring again in the second half. Should have had a few free-kicks awarded in his favour after being manhandled by Rovers defence with some challenges resembling something out of rugby more than football.