PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (1) v (0) Newport County

SWINDON TOWN maintained their 100% win record in the Papa Johns Trophy this season with a 1-0 home victory over Newport County last night seeing them top their group. Read below and find out how Swindon's academy debutants got on as Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings.

GK: L Ward (7)

Pulled off some good saves when Newport got the rare shot on target but was largely protected by his defence throughout the 90 minutes. 

CB: H Minturn (7)

Making his debut senior appearance Minturn performed well at the heart of Swindon’s defence putting in some crucial tackles inside his own box and distributing the ball well up to midfield. Booked midway through the first-half after being turned by Timmy Abraham but a pleasing appearance for the academy product all-round.

CB: C Winchcombe (7)

Another academy product making his debut, Winchcombe wasn’t afraid to put his body on the line making countless blocks inside the Swindon box including a brilliant close-range effort to deny veteran Kevin Ellison’s powerful strike in the 22nd minute. A solid outing from the centre-back who grew into the game.

CB: R Hunt (6)

Was the senior figure in Swindon’s three-man defence and looked to instruct Swindon’s academy defenders as the Robins locked out to earn a well-deserved clean sheet. Endured a relatively uneventful evening and will have enjoyed getting a full 90 minutes into his legs.

RM: H Parsons (6)

Endured a relatively quiet game as Swindon chose to go more direct through the middle than out wide, however Parsons was more active and dangerous when on the ball in the second-half as Town upped the tempo. Failed to hit the target with a wayward shot in the 65th minute and would benefit from a loan move to get more minutes into his legs.

CM: J Lyden (7)

Captain for the evening and the scorer of the games only goal as Swindon maintained their 100% win record in the tournament this season. Arrived late into the Newport box, scoring with a shot past Townsend following the keepers initial save from Mitchell-Lawson and kept the ball well when Swindon was in possession.

CM: R East (6)

Rarely lost the ball and looked at ease in the heart of Swindon’s midfield as Newport was made to endure long spells out of possession. Effective at winning the ball back in midfield and provided additional cover to Swindon’s youthful new-look defence.

LM: M Dabre (4)

Got on the ball frequently but struggled throughout against a physical opposition and failed to make an impact on the game. Allowed his touch to get away from him on too many occasions and lacked quality in his dribbling and shooting. Dabre is only young and has struggled for minutes at Swindon this season, with a January loan move a real possibility for the 18-year-old.

CAM: A Gilbert (8)

Was at the forefront for the majority of Swindon’s most promising attacks and was the key link between Town’s midfielders and strikers. Getting the ball at feet, Gilbert attacked with marauding runs to create openings before putting players through on goal with delicately weighted passes in behind. Went close with a few shots from the edge of the box.

ST: H McKirdy (7)

The only player to keep his place in the side from Swindon’s 3-0 FA Cup victory over Crewe and appeared to enjoy getting another 90 minutes under his belt at the County Ground. Was a constant thorn in the Newport defence causing defenders a headache with his runs in behind and silky footwork. 

ST: J Mitchell-Lawson (7)

A danger throughout and should have had a goal or at the very least a penalty for his efforts. Was brought down by former Swindon player Christopher Missilou inside the box late in the second-half for what looked a clear penalty before then watching his close-range effort magnificently saved in the 76th minute.