PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (3) v (1) Hartlepool United

SWINDON TOWN produced a high-scoring second half to earn a much-needed home win as they moved into the League Two automatic promotion places with a 3-1 win over Hartlepool United. Read our Robins player ratings below as Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his analysis on last night's County Ground performance.

GK: JoJo Wollacott (7)

Faced a few nervy moments as his Swindon defence struggled against the quick attack of Hartlepool with Wollacott often barking orders at those around him as the Robins recorded their second home win of the season. Pulled off some smart saves but was left rooted to the spot for the visitors equaliser as Matty Daly scored with a powerful close-range strike.

RWB: Kaine Kesler-Hayden (7)

The Aston Villa loanee was a nuisance all game for the Hartlepool defence as his marauding runs and silky footwork got Swindon into dangerous attacking areas countless times. Linked up well with Harry McKirdy for the opening goal however the wait for his first goal continues as he fluffed a one-v-one opportunity in stoppage time.

CB: Dion Conroy (C) (5.5)

Swindon’s Captain was below his best as Hartlepool often got the better of the Town defence creating chances in and around the Town box. Conroy failed to organise his defence for Hartlepool’s goal but was confident with the ball at his feet throughout as he looked to spread the ball from defence.

CB: Rob Hunt (6)

After impressing against Newport, Hunt was again deployed at centre-back and endured a mixed outing against Hartlepool. Was largely at fault for not tracking his man for the equaliser but improved in the latter stages as Swindon secured three points.

CB: Akin Odimayo (6.5)

Was the best out of Town’s three central defenders frequently stepping out of defence to intercept and put pressure on Hartlepool’s attackers with tackles as soon as the ball was played into them. Positioned himself well throughout and never looked rushed when in possession.

LWB: Ellis Iandolo (5.5)

Iandolo was brilliant at getting himself into dangerous attacking spaces on the left-wing but last night was poor with his delivery into the box. Wasted opportunities in the first-half by blasting crosses over players waiting in the box and seemed to rush his final ball when under very little pressure.

CM: Louis Reed (7)

Produced a typical stalwart performance by breaking up play in midfield and often running the show with eye-catching passes out to the wings. Failed to test the keeper with an early free-kick blasted straight into the wall but rounded off another fine performance with a much-needed home win.

CAM: Jack Payne (7)

Endured a relatively quiet first-half but was much-improved in the second period as he provided the final pass for Simpson’s goal and ensured Swindon secured victory with a goal from outside the box in stoppage time. Payne has now scored in back-to-back fixtures and appears to be entering his best form of the season at an important fixture-congested time of the year.

CAM: Jonny Williams (7.5)

Was a constant thorn in the Hartlepool defence as he got on the ball around the box and timed his run into the box to perfection as he scored his third goal of the season with a bullet header at the start of the second half. Provided the crucial link between Town’s defence and attack as he dropped deep to pick up the ball before dribbling upfield and playing important final passes.

ST: Harry McKirdy (7)

Back in the starting side after missing the Newport game through suspension and it was like he had never been away as McKirdy assisted Williams for the opening goal with a delightful chipped cross to the back post. Forced a good save from Killip as he squirmed a shot through a crowded penalty box in the 16th minute and was impressive with his runs off the ball throughout.

ST: Tyreece Simpson (7)

Had to be patient as Swindon struggled to find him in the box as Ben Garner’s men went wide down the wings with eventual crosses often failing to find their target. However, Simpson hounded the Hartlepool defence and eventually got the goal he deserved after outmuscling defenders to stab the ball past Killip and put Swindon back in front.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Ben Gladwin (6)

Replaced McKirdy who was on a yellow card and brought a sense of calm to proceedings as Swindon eventually got a third goal to earn their second home victory of the season. Gladwin may not be the first name on the Swindon teamsheet but is an effective player off the bench.

Jordan Lyden (N/A)

Came on with less than 10 minutes left and helped to sure up Swindon’s midfield as they ran the clock down.