PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (3) v (2) Carlisle United

SWINDON TOWN relied on second-half goals from Jerry Yates, Zeki Fryers, and Kaiyne Woolery, to take all three league points in what was a battling 3-2 home victory over Carlisle United earlier this afternoon. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the STFC performance.

GK: Luke McCormick (7)

Was helpless to stop either of Carlisle’s goals but produced a solid performance throughout as Carlisle were rarely given a sight at goal. Commanded his box well and dealt with set-pieces effectively by coming off his goal-line to regularly jump high and collect the ball safely. A decent first home outing of the season for the Swindon shot-stopper. 

RB: Rob Hunt (6.5)

Hunt produced a strong attacking display against Carlisle with the full-back’s overlapping runs instrumental in creating width for STFC. Was at fault for the away sides opening goal after allowing McKirdy to get goal side and dribble into the box at ease. A decent performance but Hunt must be careful to not get caught too far up the pitch when Swindon are attacking. 

CB: Mathieu Baudry (6.5)

After impressing in Town’s opening day victory over Scunthorpe, Baudry produced a mix performance against Carlisle United. Started the game well looking confident and relaxed when in possession but at times struggled to deal with the fluidity of the visitors in the second half. Was partially at fault for Carlisle’s opening goal after allowing McKirdy to get goal side before cutting it back for Olomola to tap in from close-range. A good showing from the defender but still room for improvement. 

CB: Dion Conroy (C) (7)

Captain Conroy endured a productive afternoon as he skippered Swindon Town to their first home win of the season as Swindon maintained their 100% start to the League Two season. Brought the ball out from defence well and often stepped up into midfield when Town attacked high-up the pitch. Became a bit complacent with some of his passing in the second half but a solid defensive performance from the 23-year-old.

LB: Zeki Fryers (8)

Scored only the second goal of his career with a 70th minute header that put Swindon in front. Put in a good shift at left-back by getting forward well and providing extra width for his side when Town attacked quickly. Didn’t have to do much defensively with Carlisle offering very little in attack despite scoring two goals. A great performance all round from the STFC new boy. 

CM: Jordan Lyden (7)

Partnering Doughty in central midfield, Lyden is in the squad to provide defensive cover for his backline by doing the ‘dirty work’ in the engine room of midfield. Praised by manager Richie Wellens for doing the simple things well, Lyden was instrumental at breaking play up in midfield and getting Swindon on the attack. Was on the receiving end of a nasty challenge from Canice Carroll in the second half but recovered well as the Carlisle midfielder was shown a straight red card. 

CM: Michael Doughty (7.5)

Hit the crossbar with the first shot of the game in the 4th minute and linked play up well from the centre of midfield. Was given permission to roam forward and often found himself available on the edge of the opposition box ready for the cutback. Rushed his passing at times later on in the first half but remained an ever-present threat throughout the game. 

LW: Kaiyne Woolery (8)

Enjoyed plenty of the ball in the first half after finding space well on the left-wing but couldn’t make the most of his opportunities. Looked calm and collective on the ball compared to last season when he too often ran with his head down and into trouble. Had plenty of opportunities to score but spurned his chances before eventually slotting the ball past Collin in the 89th minute to ensure Swindon took all three league points. 

CAM: Keshi Anderson (8)

Playing in behind Yates, Anderson was a danger for large parts of the game with the pacy attacker doing well to create space in dangerous attacking positions. Didn’t get on the scoresheet but assisted Woolery for his goal after playing the winger in behind with a lovely through ball. Did have opportunities to score with his effort towards the back post in the 67th minute narrowly glancing wide. Will be disappointed to not have a goal to his name but this was an unselfish and impressive showing from Anderson. 

RW: Lloyd Isgrove (8)

Since signing for Swindon, Lloyd Isgrove has arguably established himself as Richie Wellens’ most dangerous attacker. Operating on the right-wing, Isgrove used his skilful first touch to frequently get in behind the Carlisle defence and put Swindon on the front foot. Regularly created space on the wing and delivered numerous balls into the box that deserved a better end product. Isgrove’s ability to change pace quickly is what makes the 26-year-old so effective and Wellens will be hoping the winger can stay fit this season as Swindon push for promotion.

ST: Jerry Yates (8)

Opening his season account in Town’s win over Scunthorpe last week, Jerry Yates once again proved his worth with his 56th minute strike against Carlisle making it goals in back-to-back games for the loanee striker. Yates ran tirelessly throughout the ninety minutes this afternoon and was extremely effective in winning the ball back high up the pitch for Swindon. Has formed an effective partnership with his fellow attackers and deserved his goal even if it probably was the scrappiest goal the youngster will ever score. 

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Scott Twine (N/A)

Replaced Isgrove late on and didn’t have time to make an impact on the game.