FA CUP PLAYER RATINGS: SWINDON TOWN 2-1 YORK CITY

SWINDON TOWN secured a hard-fought two goal victory over York City at The County Ground in today's FA Cup first round fixture. TotalSport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the match.

GK: Lawrence Vigouroux (7)

Was untested for the majority of the match but should’ve done better with his clearance that led to the equaliser. Good distribution to put Swindon on the front foot when York had committed too many men forward.

RCB: Luke Woolfenden (7)

Playing on the right-hand side of a back three Woolfenden brought the ball out well being unafraid to get forward and provided structure at the back of Town’s defence. Was at times caught out by the quick feet of Alex Bray but a solid performance. 

LCB: Dion Conroy (6)

Out of position being a right-footed player positioned on the left of a back three, however, Conroy was a big physical presence at the back for Swindon. 

Displayed his excellent range of passing ability well throughout the match, but should’ve done better to stop the cross coming in that led to York’s equaliser. 

Tried shooting from range at times which fans won’t be encouraging him to do again given the lack of accuracy.

CB: Sid Nelson (7)

Endured a relatively quiet game at the heart of defence given the fact that most attacks came down the flanks, but when called upon Nelson defended well to limit York of opportunities.

Cleared balls into the box well and was unfazed by the introduction of the physical Jon Parkin late on into the game. A good all-round showing from the centre-back.

RW: Jermaine McGlashan (7)

One of Town’s most attacking players, delivering a high-quality performance to match his effort levels. Stayed out wide sticking to the touchline to give Swindon width and found good space down the right-hand side. 

Provided a well driven low cross into the box for Swindon’s opening goal and it was great to see the winger using his intelligence to pick a selection of passes instead of just crossing the ball into no man's land. 

Linked up well with Town’s attacking players and will be in contention for a start away to Carlisle next weekend. 

RCM: Steven Alzate (7)

Despite being relatively ineffective in the first half, Steven Alzate scored the winning goal to send Swindon Town through to the second round of the FA Cup. 

Placed his shot well into the bottom left corner to put Swindon back in the lead and grew in confidence after scoring the goal. 

Provided the anchor in midfield for other players to link up with and is starting to look like the player Town fans know he can be.

LCM: James Dunne (8)

Deservedly or not, James Dunne has been frequently used as a scapegoat for Swindon’s poor performances. However, today’s match saw Dunne put in a great performance that saw the midfielder deservedly earn man of the match.

Brought the ball forward from deep with the attacking intensity that Town have lacked in recent games and his decision-making was excellent making intelligent passes to create goal-scoring chances.

Did the hard work tracking back when Swindon were defending and appeared to welcome the opportunity of featuring in a cup match.

LM: Ellis Iandolo (5)

A surprise inclusion in the matchday starting XI and was average throughout the match against an opposition two leagues below Swindon. 
Got forward well adding numbers to Town’s attacks but appeared short of creativity when in possession. 

Produced some dangerous crosses but the majority of his balls into the box were easily cleared. A frustrating afternoon for a player who should’ve made more of his chance in the starting line-up. 

LW: Elijah Adebayo (5)

Perhaps Swindon’s worst player in a game where there were few poor performances. Started on the left wing but frequently interchanged with Twine playing through the middle.

Had chances to score with a free header in the 52nd minute after rising highest in a crowded penalty area but could only put his header over the bar, and should’ve certainly found the back of the net when put through one-on-one by Dunne in the 68th minute but blasted his shot straight at the keeper.

Got into good open positions but poor finishing let him down.

ST: Scott Twine (8)

In only his fourth start for Swindon Town this season, Scott Twine was superb in leading the line against York. Scored his first senior goal with a fantastic instinctive backheel to open the scoring before hitting the post with an acrobatic effort moments later. 

Constantly attempted to run lines in behind the defence and wasn’t afraid to take shots to test the keeper. 

Was fluid in attack playing neat one-touch passing with his teammates and made a serious case for starting as Swindon’s main striker in their next match albeit today’s game was against a weaker opponent.

RM: Keshi Anderson (7)

Captain for today’s match and produced a commendable performance that was well received by the home fans. Positioned on the right-hand side of a midfield four but was given licence to roam around the pitch creating problems for York.

Used his pace well to set Swindon off on counter-attacks, however, some wayward crosses let Town down in the final third. 

Provided a good assist for Alzate’s goal but will be frustrated after missing a golden opportunity to put Swindon out of reach in the 78th minute firing his shot well over the goal of Adam Bartlett. 

SUBSTITUTIONS: 

Kyle Knoyle: N/A

Introduced with just five minutes left to help solidify Swindon’s defence.