Player ratings: Swindon Town 0-4 Chelsea U21

Swindon Town got off to a losing start in this year’s Checkatrade trophy as Chelsea U21’s left the County Ground with a four-nil win. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the match.

GK: Luke McCormick (5)

A difficult competitive debut for McCormick saw four goals go past him as Swindon crumbled against an impressive Chelsea Under-21 side. 

Made a few comfortable saves when the ball was hit straight at him, and you had to feel sorry for the goalkeeper when after originally making a brilliant stop, Ugbo headed past him for the fourth goal. A good back up for Vigouroux. 

RB: James Dunne (6) Replaced Kyle Knoyle on twenty minutes

Called into the fray earlier than he would have expected and put in an average performance at right-back. Tried to push on down the wing but was too often caught out by the high press of Chelsea’s defence. Struggled to cut out crosses and was left isolated on his own when defending. 

CB: Dion Conroy © (4)

After an impressive opening-day performance against Macclesfield, Tuesday’s match was a game to forget for Dion Conroy. Made Captain against his former side, the defender struggled against the pace of the opposition and was unorganised in defence as Swindon succumbed to a big defeat.

CB: Sid Nelson (5)

After signing from Millwall, Nelson was put into this match only having had a few training sessions with the side. And you could see how much he struggled with communication and organisation in the Swindon defence. Tried to build play out from the back and wasn’t afraid to take possession, but he will be hoping to improve on what was a difficult debut.

LB: Joe Romanski (6)

One of seven changes from the weekend’s victory, Joe Romanski put in a decent performance as he tries to fit into his new role as a left-back under Phil Brown. A very attacking full-back, Romanski was eager to get forward and even managed a shot on goal early on. 

His eagerness to attack however sometimes leads to him being out of position as Chelsea regularly threatened down the right. Will need to improve but it was more important minutes for the youngster. 

RM: Jak McCourt (6)

Playing on the right of a three-man midfield, McCourt was one of Swindon’s few players who kept trying until the end. Full of energy throughout, he was effective both in attack and defence as the midfielder constantly tried to get Town playing quicker football.  

A bright performance in what was difficult circumstances for the 23-year-old and it would come as no surprise should he make an appearance against Lincoln on Saturday.

CM: Toumani Diagouraga (4)

Brought into SN1 to be the heart of Swindon’s midfield, Diagouraga looked a shade of his former self against a youthful Chelsea opposition. Deployed in the centre of midfield, Diagouraga struggled to keep up with the pace of the game and endured a torrid evening as players went past him too easily and he frequently gave the ball away. Didn’t look one-hundred percent match ready, but with big expectations on his back, he must improve.

LM: Ellis Iandolo (5)

A rare start for the Swindon youth product as Ellis Iandolo sought to put himself into Phil Brown’s long-term plans. Playing on the left the expectation was that Iandolo would use his pace to create opportunities down the wing, however, the midfielder too often went missing in a game that needed every Swindon player to be switched on throughout. 

Played a sublime through ball to Twine who should have scored in the game’s dying minutes, but it was not the evening Iandolo wanted.  

RW: Jermaine McGlashan (6)

After a great weekend performance against Macclesfield, Jermaine McGlashan was given the chance to continue a good start to the season against Chelsea’s U21 side. Again playing on the right-wing, McGlashan tried to get forward at every opportunity but too frequently found himself isolated. Frustration crept into his game as he gave away some needless fouls before being substituted. 

LW: Scott Twine (7)

Impressing with two goals in Swindon’s last pre-season match against Supermarine, Scott Twine was Town’s best player on the pitch against Chelsea. Full of creativity, Twine continuously attempted to find ways to create openings and should have been rewarded with a goal in the games dying minutes after his shot stung the hands of Jamie Cumming. Ran tirelessly until the full-time whistle blew, and despite the result, Brown will admire the effort Twine put into the match. 

Elijah Adebayo: (6)

Starting his second game in a row for Swindon, Elijah Adebayo failed to test the opposition as the striker endured a night of nothingness. A big, strong, and quick player, Adebayo has all the attributes to make it as a top striker, but he will need to learn to keep his performances at a high level in every game. 

Was too easily dispossessed against Chelsea and offered little in attack. Not the best of evenings for Town’s main striker.