PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town 2-1 Newport County

SWINDON TOWN produced one of their best performances of the season to beat playoff positioned Newport County 2-1 at The County Ground earlier this afternoon. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the match.

GK: Lawrence Vigouroux (7)

Could’ve possibly done better to keep out the headed effort by Armond but played well in some of the toughest weather conditions a goalkeeper will have to face in a match. Distribution was as always excellent. 

RB: Kyle Knoyle (7)

Has been Mr Consistent for Swindon this season and did a good job against Newport. Supported attacks with his overlapping running creating space for Swindon and his crosses into the opposition box were good.

CB: Sid Nelson (6)

Another match meant for another solid game from Sid Nelson. Seemed to cope well with the fierce wind and did well to manage the threat posed by the in-form Jamille Matt. Was too easily beaten in the air by Armond for Newport’s goal.

CB: Luke Woolfenden (7)

Endured a game of two halves against a tough opposition but came out on top helping his side to victory. Won the majority of his aerial duals in tough conditions and intervened with some brilliant last-ditch tackles to help keep Swindon’s lead intact in stoppage time.

Was confident in bringing the ball up from the defence but was at times wayward with his passing. 

LB: Ellis Iandolo (7) 

Has been crucial to Town’s recent success and once again performed admirably in his new role as left-back. Provided good overlapping support on the left wing and seems to have formed a solid partnership with Twine on that side.

Struggled slightly in the second half against the pace of Semenyo but a good all-round outing from the youngster. 

CDM: Matty Taylor (6)

A good performance from Matty Taylor as he linked play up well between defence and attack for Swindon. Controlled his defenders and had to use his intelligence to nullify the threat that Newport’s pacey attackers shown. 

Nearly scored with a rocket of a free-kick in the 45th minute that went just wide. 

CM: James Dunne (8)

Robust, ragged, and rewarding can all be used to describe the performance of James Dunne against Newport. Was dogged in his willingness to win the ball back for Swindon on countless opportunities and appeared to cover every blade of grass.

 Was calm on the ball when Town were penned back in the games dying moments and has quickly become a key player for Swindon under Richie Wellens.

CM: Michael Doughty (8)

Put Swindon ahead with his well-taken goal in the games opening minute and provided a brilliant assist for Woolery’s goal with a delicate reverse through ball. 

Ran the show in midfield and added quality to Swindon’s overall game. Should’ve put Woolery through on goal in the 54th minute when on the counter-attack but was poor with his decision making.

LM: Scott Twine (7)

Ran tirelessly throughout to try and get in behind Newport’s backline and impressed with his trickery to consistently take his opposing man on. 

Nearly scored in the 68th minute after skipping through the visitor's defence and firing a shot on goal. Another great performance from the academy product who is making a name for himself in the first team. 

RM: Kaiyne Woolery (9)

Scored the winning goal and was impressive throughout on his return from injury. Utilised his pace to spearhead Swindon’s attack and stretch Newport’s defence. 

Linked up brilliantly with Adebayo and added quality to Town’s play in the final third. Stayed calm in his goal to take the ball around the keeper before firing home. 

ST: Elijah Adebayo (9)

Having underperformed for the majority of this season, today was a standout performance from Elijah Adebayo. 

His touch was excellent when balls were played into him and outsmarted Newport’s defence with his turns on the halfway line creating openings for Swindon. 

Seemed to win every aerial ball that came into him and was a threat throughout. Hit the post in the 16th minute to deny the loanee striker a deserved goal. 

SUBSTITUTIONS

Olly Lancashire (N/A)

Brought on to sure up Swindon’s defence in the games dying moments. 

Jermaine McGlashan (N/A)

Came off the bench for Twine with not long left and added fresh legs to Swindon’s attack when Town were being pegged back in their own area.