PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (0) V (2) Sunderland AFC

SWINDON TOWN slipped to just two points above the relegation zone yesterday as Sunderland won two-nil at the County Ground in a lively League One encounter. Read below as Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings.

Matej Kovar (5)

Collected some crosses well but looked nervy throughout a large period of the game and was frequently coached from the sidelines. Could do little to deny Sunderland scoring from their chances but almost gifted the visitors a goal after sloppily passing straight to Maguire in the first-half. 

RWB: R Hunt (5)

Played the first 45 minutes before being withdrawn and didn’t do much to impress. The first goal came from a cross on his side and looked reluctant to attack as Swindon attempted to create space on the wings. 

CB: J Grounds (5.5)

Defended well for the majority of the match and was Swindon’s main ball-playing defender. But his rash challenge on Maguire gave Sunderland a blatant penalty which took the game away from Swindon. 

CB: M Baudry (4)

Caught out of position too frequently and was bullied off the ball by Sunderlands attackers on too many occasions. Didn’t look comfortable playing as part of a back three.

CB: A Odimayo (7)

Swindon’s best defender on the day, demonstrating his strength to muscle Maguire off the ball on countless occasions and impress with his passing accuracy. Was asked to play at right-back in the second half and adapted well, carrying the ball up into midfield with confidence and even showcased 

LWB: D Donohue (6.5)

Improved performance in a position Donohue himself has admitted he isn’t particularly comfortable playing in. Linked up well with those in front of him and provided width to put some good balls into the box. 

CM: M Smith (7)

Pressed with ferocious intensity throughout and was smart on the ball, rarely losing possession and provided good balls into Swindon’s attackers. Looked calm and assured throughout in a match that could’ve easily passed him by. Smith has matured massively since the start of the season and is looking like a great signing.

CM: A Grant (6.5)

Cut a frustrated figure at times and you could sense his anger when Swindon failed to make the most of threatening attacks. Partnered with Smith he didn’t let Sunderland play through the middle, instead forcing the opposition wide as they went in search of goals. A good performance but not his best.

RW: J Payne (6)

Offered little attacking threat for the majority of the first half as he was starved of possession but tracked back well to perform some solid defensive work, including a crucial clearance in thew 15th minute that would’ve resulted in a goal but for Payne’s intervention. Grew into the game more in the second half and should’ve had a concrete penalty after being hacked down in the box, but looked short of ideas against a solid Sunderland outfit. 

LW: D Jaiyesimi (4)

Looked lively in the opening moments and had a good chance to test the Sunderland keeper in the 7th minute after creating space for himself on the edge of the box, but took too long on the ball and was dispossessed. Showcased his dribbling abilities, but was let down by poor decision-making that eventually saw him withdrawn at the halfway stage. 

ST: T Smith (4)

A frustrating game for Swindon’s number nine seen him isolated upfront as those behind him failed to play balls up to Smith. Was bullied by Sunderland’s authoritative defence and never got a chance to test the keeper. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

J Smith (5.5)

Introduced at half-time and was positive when on the ball, displaying his pace to get into some dangerous positions for Swindon, but unfortunately couldn’t create any significant opportunities to get Town back into the match. 

J Stevens (5)

Brought on at half-time but failed to make much of an impact. Demanded the ball and wasn't afraid to shoot from range but lacked accuracy and failed to get into the game.

H Hope (5)

Subbed on with about 20 mins remaining in place of Tyler Smith and used his physicality to get the better of Sunderland's defenders on a few occasions. Looked bright when brought on but it was too late for him to make much of an impact.