PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (0) V (3) Accrington Stanley

SWINDON TOWN slumped to a first home defeat under new manager John Sheridan last night as Accrington Stanley embarrassed Swindon in a three-nil loss at SN1. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the loss.

GK: Joe Fryer (5)

Endured a goalkeeping nightmare moment for the first goal, slipping on an Odimayo back-pass and slicing the ball into his own net. Will be replaying that moment in his head time and time again but recovered well to make some strong saves in the second half. A torrid night for the keeper but mustn’t be slammed for a freak mistake.

RB: Paul Caddis (5)

Was given authority to get forward and put the odd good ball into the box but was often caught out of position when Accrington went forward. Had a gd attempt on goal at the star of the second half which deflected wide for a corner.

CB: J Grounds (4)

Another difficult night for Grounds in a Swindon shirt saw the experienced defender struggle to command his defence. Failed to get tight to Accrington’s attackers and was at fault for missing a tackle that led to the visitors third goal. Another disappointing showing.

CB: A Odimayo (7)

Despite his side conceding three goals this was another strong performance from Odimayo. Started at centre-back but was eventually shipped out into the right-back positions as Swindon went behind. Demonstrated some good dribbling skills to carry the ball out from defence and put several good crosses into the box that should’ve been converted by Swindon’s strikers.

LB: R Hunt (4)

Did little to impress during the opening 40 minutes and was subbed off before the break. Hunt has struggled for form this season and this outing certainly won’t have helped his confidence.

CM: A Grant (4)

This was a tired and lethargic performance from the midfield general. Enjoyed lots of the ball during the first-half but was too easily dispossessed and outmuscled. Cut a frustrated figure as the game went on and failed to show the leadership that fans have come to expect from him.

CM: M Smith (7.5)

Since arriving on loan from Arsenal, Matt Smith has been the shining light in the Swindon ranks this season and he can’t be faulted for another great performance against the odds last night. 

Demanded the ball from his teammates and was on a one-man mission to get Swindon back into the match with smart through balls carving the Accrington defence open and shot from range testing the keeper. 

Smith displays the hunger of a top-class player and unless Swindon start to improve it wouldn’t be surprising to see him force a move elsewhere this January.

LW: H Hope (5)

Drifted from the left-wing to striker throughout the match but failed to make much of an impact in either position. Scored a brilliant goal against Shrewsbury at the weekend but was missing his shooting boots in this fixture, most notably firing off-target from close-range at the start of the second half. 

RW: J Smith (4.5)

Should’ve got Swindon on level terms after being presented with a great goalscoring opportunity just ten minutes in, but fired his effort wide of the goal. Marauded forward with the rare successful dribble but lacked end product as chances went begging.

ST: J Grant (5)

Never really got into the game and struggled to obtain possession. Had to drop deep to try and get on the ball but could do little to influence the final result. 

ST: B Pitman (4)

Not sure what Pitman offers to this Swindon squad. Slows play down when Town are trying to play on the counter-attack and looks short on confidence with his finishing. Had a great chance to test the Accrington keeper late in the second half but blasted his shot well over the bar and into the stands. Must do better.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

M Baudry (5)

Replaced Rob Hunt five minutes before half-time and a minute later Accrington had their third. All of Swindon’s defence failed to switch on with Pritchard and Charles finding acres of space inside the Swindon box. Baudry carried the ball well in the second-half but the damage was done before he stepped onto the pitch.

J Stevens (6)

Introduced late in the second0half but showed determination to try and help Swindon get something from the game. A tenacious substitute performance and deserves to start the next game in his favoured position.