PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (0) v (2) Blackpool

SWINDON TOWN failed to impress at home this afternoon as promotion-chasing Blackpool took all three points at the County Ground courtesy of goals from Ellis Simms and Jerry Yates. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings below.

GK: L Camp (5)

Commanded Swindon’s defence well but was beaten by two impressive goals as he conceded his first goals for Town. Caught in two minds as to whether to come out for Blackpool’s opening goal but endured a relatively quiet afternoon.

RWB: P Caddis (5)

Linked up well with Jordon Garrick down the right-wing with the majority of Swindon’s attacks coming down that side. However delivery of crosses into the box was poor when Town Caddis got into attacking areas.

CB: A Odimayo (5)

Looked strong in defence and did well to intercept passes and produce a series of blocks when Blackpool was attacking. Managed the threat of Jerry Yates well for large parts of the game and did well to block the strikers attempt from inside the box to keep the game level in the opening exchanges. 

CB: A Grant (6)

A calming presence at the heart of Swindon’s defence and did well again today to control fellow defenders alongside him. Carried the ball out of defence with confidence and never panicked when in possession. Centre-back may not be Grant’s usual position, but he has looked the best defender for Swindon so far this season.

CB: E Iandolo (4.5)

Impressed in parts but was at fault for the opening goal after allowing Ellis Simms to get the wrong side of him before the winger lashed an effort past Camp. Iandolo has the pace to be effective in both defence and attack but must read the game better when defending against high-quality attacking teams.

LWB: D Thompson (5)

Provided width throughout but was sloppy in possession at times and often seemed to do one good thing before immediately counter-acting that with a poor bit of play. Crossing was sub-standard and was pulled in the second-half after struggling to provide enough attacking quality.

CM: M Palmer (5)

Got on the ball lots without ever really doing much with it. Pressed Blackpool’s midfielders high up the pitch whenever they were on the ball and was neat with his passing when in possession but appeared to drift through the match.

CM: J Payne (5)

Energetic throughout and tried to create opportunities whenever Swindon was in possession but was often forced back due to a lack of movement in front of him. Forced a great save from Maxwell with a powerful shot from close-range immediately after the restart following Blackpool’s second goal.

LW: S Twine (4.5)

Started as a left-winger but often drifted into the number ten position and even looked to be operating as a second striker alongside Pitman at times. This was a poor showing from Twine as he struggled against the Blackpool defence and was often bullied off the ball. Twine will have a big part to play for Swindon in the season run-in and will hopefully back to his best on Monday.

RW: J Garrick (6.5)

Swindon’s best player today and got the better of Blackpool’s left-back Garbutt on several occasions showcasing some impressive dribbling skills. Should’ve had an assist after doing well to set-up Pitman in the opening exchanges as the striker put his attempt wide. Garrick has improved massively since arriving at Swindon but must do better in the final third.

ST: B Pitman (5)

Lacked movement and failed to hit the target with a golden chance in the opening minutes after being found by Garrick with a cutback inside the Blackpool box. Won a handful of aerial duels but wasn’t supported by attackers around him and did little to test the opposition defence before being subbed in the second-half.

SUBSTITUTIONS

T Smith (4)

Made a rare appearance from the bench and was bursting with energy as he tried to get in behind the Blackpool defence. Didn’t have any significant chances in front of goal but the quality is there for all to see, it’s just hard to understand why he isn’t being played more.

H Hope (4)

Came on as part of a four-man substitution but rarely got a touch and couldn’t do much to make an impact.

J Grounds (4)

Slotted into the back four comfortably when he came on, however didn’t have much defending to do with Blackpool happy to sit back after taking a two-goal lead.

J Grant (4)

Was the only change to today’s starting side and failed to cause Blackpool’s defence any problems. Attempted to stretch the game but was thrown in at the deep end with Swindon two-nil down against impressive opposition.