PLAYER RATINGS: SWINDON TOWN 1-0 NEWPORT COUNTY

SWINDON TOWN picked up a much-needed three points in group c of the Checkatrade Trophy after beating Newport County one-nil at The County Ground. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the result.

GK: Luke McCormick (7)

Endured arguably one of the quietest games he is likely to play in but did the basics well. Collected balls in the air with confidence and commanded his defenders with authority. 

RB: Kyle Knoyle (6)

Made his last performance in Swindon colours before starting his three-match ban at the weekend. Put in the usual performance fans have come to expect of the right-back getting forward well whilst also tracking back when needed. 

Caught out by the pace of Cameron Ping on a few occasions down the left hand side but was another good display from the defender.

CB: Sid Nelson (7)

Put in a brilliant last-ditch tackle on Antoine Semenyo to stop the attacker getting one-on-one with McCormick and was vigilant throughout in a rather lacklustre match. Partnered Woolfenden well in defence and will be happy at keeping another clean sheet.

CB: Luke Woolfenden (8)

Followed on from an impressive outing against Morecambe with another solid performance tonight. Good at clearing up at the back with some big clearances and put his body on the line to frequently put in blocks. 

Regularly won his aerial battles and is a centre-back with a lot of positive attributes. 

LB: Joe Romanski (7)

Has been out of the Swindon starting XI for a while, but returned tonight with a commendable performance. Got forward well and even ventured into the opposition box at times as Swindon searched for an opening goal. Will be happy to keep getting minutes and continuing his development.

RM: James Dunne (5)

Returned from his suspension with a lacklustre showing in tonight’s Checkatrade Trophy match. Was the designated set-piece taker and his delivery from dead ball situations was just not good enough as Newport’s defence easily dealt with his deliveries. Was slow in link-up play but will improve as he gets more minutes on the pitch.

CM: Toumani Diagouraga (6)

Back after his three-match ban and appeared to have improved his fitness since the start of the season. Didn’t contribute much in attack but tracked back well to protect his defence and put in some enforcing challenges to regularly win back possession for Swindon. 

LM: Ellis Iandolo (6)

The long-term Swindon player deserved his chance in the side after recently impressing off the bench. Was positive going forward and wasn’t scared to run at his opposition number. Had good special awareness but some misplaced passing put Swindon in difficult situations.

RW: Jermaine McGlashan (6)

Back in the starting line-up after being dropped against Morecambe, and had an average performance. Used his pace to his advantage to regularly get down the wing and deliver crosses, however, the winger was lacking quality in the final third. A good impact player but will be a doubtful starter for Saturday’s league match.

ST: Elijah Adebayo (7)

Won the penalty when brought down by Bennett in the 75^thminute and led Swindon’s frontline well. Clearly prefers the ball being played into his feet rather than in the air and was nimble around the box attempting to assist his teammates. Has entered a good patch of form and will be hoping to push on this season.

LW: Keshi Anderson (7)

Should’ve opened the scoring in the 14^thminute when through on goal, only to drag his shot terribly wide of the goal. Was a nuisance for the opposition when pressing forward and interchanged positions with Adebayo well to find gaps in Newport’s backline. A good performance but needs to work on his finishing. 

Substitutions:

Michael Doughty (70^thminute): (7)

Scored the only goal of the game with a delicately chipped penalty down the centre of the goal to send Newport’s goalkeeper the wrong way. Added the quality Swindon needed and will be a sure start against Bury on Saturday.

Scott Twine (70^thminute): (6)

Came on late in the game and didn’t have much time to make an impact. Added energy in attack and will be hoping for more game time as the season progresses.

Steven Alzate (79^thminute): N/A

Made his appearance in the game’s dying minutes and didn’t have enough time to make a difference.