PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (3) v (0) Colchester United

SWINDON TOWN beat Colchester United three-nil at the County Ground earlier today as the Wiltshire side move to within four points of the League Two playoff positions. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the match.

GK: Lawrence Vigouroux (7)

Had little to do thanks to the brilliant display put in by his outfield players. Distribution was solid and will be delighted to have earnt a clean sheet on his return from injury. 

RB: Luke Woolfenden (9)

Playing at right-back, Luke Woolfenden produced a fantastic performance that saw him justifiably earn man-of-the-match. Tasked with the defensive job of marking Colchester attacker Brennan Dickenson, Woolfenden nullified any threat down the right through a combination of strong tackles and winning the majority of his aerial battles. Crept in at the back post to score a well-taken header on the stroke of half-time. 

CB: Tom Broadbent © (7)

A performance that fans have come to expect since signing in January saw the skipper composed and solid in defence. Up against the potent goalscorer Frank Nouble, Broadbent was a rock at the back stepping up to intercept passes and winning his one-on-one battles. Another strong showing from the defender. 

CB: Dion Conroy (7)

Whilst impressing defensively, it was the attacking capabilities of Conroy that impressed most against Colchester. Showcasing his passing ability, Conroy frequently switched play with his long diagonal balls almost always finding it’s desired target. After a stop-start time to his Swindon career, Conroy appears to have formed a solid partnership with Broadbent. 

LB: Kyle Knoyle (8)

Playing in the unfamiliar position of left-back, Knoyle was fantastic in one-on-one defensive situations against a winger in Courtney Senior who Wellens described as the best in the division. Didn’t provide his usual amount of crosses into the box but was an ever-present danger in attack on the left-wing. 

LW: Kyle Bennett (8)

Scored his first goal for the club with a brilliant 30-yard strike and provided Swindon with the energy needed in midfield. Linked up play in midfield well and helped stretch Colchester’s defence with his attacking runs.

RCM: Jak McCourt (7)

Interchanged well with Carroll and Dunne and was calm and collective at all times when on the ball. Played a more defensive role in the second half and did well to break up opposition play as Swindon recorded their biggest win of the season. 

CDM: Canice Carroll (8.5)

After insisting he doesn’t score goals when speaking earlier in the week, Canice Carroll put in arguably his best performance since joining the club. A well-taken goal from inside Colchester’s six-yard box saw Carroll open the scoring as Town ran riot at the County Ground. Energetic in midfield, Carroll was confident on the ball to play on the front foot and used his creativity to create openings. 

LCM: James Dunne (7)

Returning to the starting side saw James Dunne put in a typically dogged display in the engine room of midfield. Consistently broke up Colchester’s play and provided a brilliant cross to assist Woolfenden’s goal. 

ST: Theo Robinson (7.5)

Having scored two goals in his previous two appearances, Robinson was at his usual energetic best against Colchester with a goal the only thing missing from his game. Ran tirelessly throughout and was unselfish at times to play in his fellow attackers instead of taking on a shot. Tracked back well to fulfil his defensive duties and help Swindon keep a clean sheet. 

ST: Kaiyne Woolery (6.5)

Frequently picked up the ball and accelerated with his blistering pace at the Colchester’s defenders but too often lost the ball in the final third. At times took to long with his decision making but can’t be faulted for his attacking efforts.

SUBSTITUTIONS: 

Toumani Diagouraga (N/A)

Came on with Swindon already three-nil up and didn’t have much to do but will be happy to get minutes under his belt on return to full fitness. 

Keshi Anderson (N/A)

Stretched Colchester’s defenders when brought on and was an attacking threat in the game’s dying moments but didn’t have enough minutes to make a considerable difference. 

Jacob Bancroft (N/A)

Handed his professional debut with just minutes left on the clock.