PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (3) v (4) Exeter City

SWINDON TOWN'S defensive problems were on show for all to see as the Robins suffered a 4-3 home defeat against Exeter City in their second EFL Trophy group stage match yesterday. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his STFC player ratings.

GK: Joe Fryer (5)

Conceding four goals on his debut made it a nightmare debut to remember for Joe Fryer, with the 24-year-old let down by his defence as Exeter punished Town’s vulnerable back-line. Could do very little to stop any of Exeter’s goals but produced some good saves denying Alex Fisher from close-range on multiple occasions. 

RB: Rob Hunt (5)

A tired performance from Rob Hunt saw the full-back produce a lacklustre 90 minutes. Looked a yard off his usual pace and was poor in one-on-one defending scenarios.

CB: Jonathan Grounds (6)

Swindon were a shambles in defence, but Jonathan Grounds was perhaps the one positive making some key interceptions and strong challenges that denied Exeter from scoring more. Looks to have been a good signing and will improve with a better defensive partner alongside him.

CB: Taylor Curran (4)

It was another difficult performance from Curran with the 20-year-old looking vulnerable every time Exeter attacked. He has had a difficult STFC career so far and based on recent performances it doesn’t look like he will be given too many more chances this season.

LB: Dion Donohue (4)

Richie Wellens said Dion Donohue has the ability to be the best full-back in the league, but last night Donohue just didn’t look bothered. Ajose got the better of him time and time again down Swindon’s left side and his attacking contribution was just as poor with loose balls and sloppy play. 

Donohue may have great potential but he needs to produce better performances than what we saw last night if he is to become a starter in this side.

CM: Anthony Grant (5)

A mediocre performance from Grant saw him show glimpses of his usual play by breaking up play in the middle of the park. But he appeared tired at times and looked like he could have used a rest in a competition Swindon don’t appear to be bothered about.

CM: Matty Palmer (7)

He looks set to leave before the closing of the domestic transfer window but this was the performance Swindon’s coaching staff were expecting from the Palmer when he arrived at the club. Was the main pivot between defence and attack and supplied good balls into Swindon’s attackers. Was rewarded with a deserved goal in stoppage time. 

LW: Diallang Jaiyesimi (5.5)

Has suffered from niggling injuries since the start of the season and is yet to replicate the form of last season. Showed moments of brilliance taking on his man and bursting into Exeter’s box but too often went missing in the game. 

CAM: Joel Grant (6)

Switched between playing as the number ten and on the wing to enduring differing amounts of success. Ran tirelessly throughout and did well to assist Tyler Smith for his first goal with an inch-perfect cross into the box. A bright performance from Grant.

RW: Hallam Hope (6)

Couldn’t fault his effort, demanding the ball at every occasion and stretching play on the wing to get Swindon into dangerous positions. Let himself down by his touch at times and wasted crossing opportunities with poor delivery. A decent performance considering given his limited game time this season.

ST: Tyler Smith (7.5)

Scored two goals with good finishing inside the box and had chances to score a hat trick but failed to remain calm in front of goal when it mattered most. Appears to have built a good relationship with his fellow attackers and has made a strong claim to start on Saturday.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

Jack Payne (6)

Was effective in linking up play when introduced late in the second half and caused problems for Exeter’s defenders, but Hartridge’s goal just a minute after his introduction deflated Swindon and took the game out of their reach.

Jonny Smith (5)

Managed to put some good crosses into the box but drifted through the games final twenty minutes relatively unnoticed.

Jordan Stevens (N/A)

Looked bright when he came on but didn’t have enough time to make much of an impact.