PLAYER RATINGS: SWINDON TOWN 1-1 MK DONS

ELIJAH ADEBAYO’S last-minute equaliser against MK DONS earned Swindon Town a point at The County Ground. TotalSport Swindon’s Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the action.

GK: Lawrence Vigouroux (9)

Just days after being given his international call-up for Chile, Lawrence Vigouroux produced a stunning display between the posts for Town. 

Collected balls well in the air, excelled with his distribution, and pulled off some outstanding saves, the best coming from Lewington’s 71st-minute free-kick, to keep Swindon in with a chance. Denied the man of the match award by Alzate, but this performance has certainly gone some way to silencing the doubters.

RB: Kyle Knoyle (6)

Has quickly become Town’s first choice fullback this season and played well against MK Dons. Once again got down the flanks well to support attacks and contributed going forward unafraid to put in crosses. 

Wasted some opportunities when had time to deliver a decent ball and was at times caught out of position in defence. A solid performance but will hopefully continue to improve.

CB: Sid Nelson (8)

The arrival of centre-back Luke Woolfenden could spell the end to Nelson’s recent run in the starting team. However, his performance against MK Dons will have impressed manager Phil Brown. 

Was responsible for countless last-ditch tackles to stop the visitors increasing their advantage, and put his body on the line in the heart of the defence. A big performance from the loanee signing.

CB: Olly Lancashire © (6)

Partnered Sid Nelson once again, and put in another mixed performance as Lancashire captained Swindon as the Robins rescued a point. 

Commanded his back-line well to deny the visitors a second but still appears nervous on the ball as some poor passing put his side in dangerous positions. Defended well when one-on-one but failed to impose himself in the air as was too often beaten to headers.

LB: Matty Taylor (6)

Another Saturday meant for another solid no-thrills performance from the 36-year-old. Created space well down the flank and was capable of nullifying his opposite number on the wing. 

Played some delightful diagonal passes to find openings for Swindon, but will be frustrated with his poor accuracy from set-pieces and crosses into the box.

RM: Jermaine McGlashan (5)

Substituted early on in the second half and was an attacker lacking an end product against MK Dons. Used pace to his advantage to beat his man on the wing but would subsequently put in a wayward cross lacking in accuracy. 

Needs to improve in the final third if McGlashan wants to become a regular starter.

CM: Martin Smith (5)

Martin Smith has become a highly adaptable player in the centre of Swindon’s midfield, but today’s game escaped him at times. 

Against Saturday’s opponents, Smith was lacking the attacking prowess that Town needed. Rarely made mistakes but didn’t offer enough threat in attack and was substituted in the 57th minute.

LM: Michael Doughty (6)

After starting the season with a bang, Michael Doughty endured a difficult afternoon against a strong MK Dons side. Went close to equalising in the 5th minute put could only put his header over the bar. 

Struggled to stamp his authority on the match and was too often outmuscled by Alex Gilbey in midfield as the match went on. Substituted in the 83rd minute and won’t look back on this performance with too much fondness.

RW: Steven Alzate (7)

Awarded the man of the match after putting in an impressive showing at The County Ground. Started on the right-wing of a three-pronged attack but was given the freedom to roam around the pitch. 

Made himself a nuisance against the Dons and should have been rewarded with a penalty after being brought down in the box in the 58th minute. Linked play up well and his contribution on the counter-attack is a big positive for Phil Brown as Swindon escaped defeat.

ST: Marc Richards (6)

An afternoon of mixed emotions saw Marc Richards fail to get on the score sheet as STFC drew 1-1 at The County Ground. Started well by running in behind defenders to get touches on the ball but faded in the game as the match progressed. 

Nearly found the back of the net on the stroke of half-time only for his shot to whistle past the post. No goal for Anderson, however, Phil Brown will be delighted to see his number nine get more minutes under his belt on return from injury.

LW: Keshi Anderson (8)

Continued to tirelessly run at the heart of the visitor's defence and can be proud of his efforts after putting in a big shift for Swindon Town. Used his pace well to create chances and almost put his side level after curling his shot wide after a driving run in the 64th minute. 

Held play up well and has quickly become a fan favourite this season. Has been able to add quality in the final third to his game and will hopefully continue to push on from here.

SUBS:

Elijah Adebayo (8)

Came on in the 57th minute and smashed home the winner in the 94th minute to earn Swindon a point. His running off the ball was just as good as his dribbling on it as Adebayo made an impact form the bench.

Jak McCourt (6)

Brought on by Brown early in the second half and is clearly lacking first-team minutes. Too often played a misplaced pass, but did get back well to help support Town in defence.

Ellis Iandolo (N/A)

Won the header that resulted in Adebayo’s last-minute equaliser, but didn’t have enough time to make an impact