PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (0) V (1) Lincoln City

SWINDON TOWN failed to make it back-to-back wins for the first time this season last night as Lincoln City pounced on a Matej Kovar error to take all three points at the County Ground. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the loss.

GK: M Kovar (4.5)

Had looked comfortable throughout the match with a solid defence in front of him requiring Kovar to rarely be called into action. However, he must take the blame for the goal after flapping at Lincoln’s corner with one-hand and leaving Montsma with an open goal to head into. We keep being told that Kovar will be a top goalkeeper, the problem is that Swindon need a top goalkeeper now.

RB: A Odimayo (7)

Positioned at right-back and again looked confident there. Frequently contributed to attacks but excelled in his defensive duties regularly winning his one-on-one duels as Lincoln looked to get in behind. Picked up a yellow card for a rash challenge in the second-half.

CB: M Baudry (C) (6.5)

Another improved performance from the skipper who has looked back to his best since being recalled into the starting team. Carried the ball out from the back with confidence and positioned himself well throughout to deal with the danger of Lincoln’s attackers. Had a golden chance to equalise in the final minute of the game but put his free header over the bar from close-range.

CB: T Broadbent (7)

From not being given a squad number by Richie Wellens at the start of the season to making his first start in the league last night, Tom Broadbent has endured a rollercoaster recovery from injury. But against Lincoln he cut an assured figure winning strong aerial duels and even producing some exceptional passes out from defence that got Swindon into dangerous areas. A great outing for a player who’s Swindon career looked finished.

LB: D Donohue (7)

Impressed against Bristol and looked sharp again last night. Diligent in both defence and attack, Donohue is an impressive player in this Swindon team and will be crucial to John Sheridan’s plans for the remainder of the season. Put some good balls into the box and was quick in his recovery when Lincoln looked to counter-attack. Picked up a yellow card in the second-half.

CM: P Caddis (6.5)

Operating in the defensive midfielder position, Caddis was a good fill-in and helped sure up Swindon’s defence by picking up second balls and making some key tackles. Some players would’ve struggled to play out of position against an impressive outfit such as Lincoln but Caddis used his experience to help manage the game and provide protection.

CM: A Grant (6)

Played with energy and protected Swindon’s defence as he produced key interceptions and used his physicality to get the better of Lincoln’s midfielders. However, his passing was poor and when short of options often wasted possession.

CAM: M Smith (7.5)

Trusted in the attacking midfield position, Smith displayed his vision and technical skills to make his mark on this game. Was constantly positive on the ball and always looked for a forward pass attempting to get Swindon on the front-foot. Unlocked Lincoln’s defence on countless occasions with balls in behind but Swindon’s forwards couldn’t make the most of their chances.

LW: J Grant (5.5)

Didn’t do much to impress and had a relatively quiet game. Received the ball on the wing quite a few times but instead of taking his opposite man on would turn and look for the safe pass back to Donohue. Linked up well with Hope at times but didn’t make much of an impact on The Imps defence.

RW: J Stevens (6.5)

Looked bright throughout and was a handful to deal with. Utilised his pace to his advantage to get in behind and looks to have formed a good relationship with playmaker Smith. Wasn’t afraid to take his man on but at times rushed in the final third when a calmer head was needed.

ST: H Hope (6)

I’m not really sure what type of striker Hope is as he switched between making runs in behind and attempting to hold up play. His hold up play was good at times and he rode challenges well in the final third but looks more of a threat when cutting in from wide positions. 

SUBSTITUTIONS

J Payne (6)

Brought on after Swindon went one-nil down and was positive in his play trying to pick holes in Lincoln’s defence. Couldn’t force a breakthrough however against a resilience Imps defence.