PLAYER RATINGS: Swindon Town (5) v (2) Northampton Town

Swindon Town began 2022 in perfect fashion as a 7-goal County Ground classic resulted in Swindon running out 5-2 winners against Northampton Town in League Two. Total Sport Swindon's Ryan Walker gives his Robins player ratings following the New Year's Day victory.

GK: J Wollacott (7)

Looked a lot more assured than he did against Stevenage midweek and was impressive with his authority in the air when set-piece deliveries were put into the box. Could do little for either of the goals and endured a relatively quiet second half. Wollacott will now head off to the AFCON Cup and will be unavailable for up to 6 weeks.

RB: K Kesler-Hayden (7)

Got forward lots and was brilliant in creating space on the wing when Swindon attacked. At times lost his concentration when delivering the final ball and lacked accuracy in his crossing on occasion.

CB: R Hunt (6)

Off the back of a MOTM performance in midweek against Stevenage, Hunt was below-par today with sloppy passes too often putting Swindon on the back-foot. Gifted Jack Sowerby a shot on goal in the opening exchanges that was fortunately saved well by Wollacott.

CB: A Odimayo (7)

Has been a solid defender for Swindon recently and dominated his aerial duals today whilst also looking confident when carrying the ball out from defence. A good outing for the defender who appears to be in the best form of his Swindon career to date.

LB: E Iandolo (7)

Couldn't get across in time to block Northampton's opening goal but put in a determined effort at full-back getting down the wing and providing an attacking threat for Swindon. Set Simpson up with a golden opportunity in the 71st minute after dribbling through a crowded box before the striker hit the post.

CM: L Reed (7.5)

Louis Reed has been excellent this season and was composed throughout today before being subbed late in the second half. Spread the ball exemplary as Swindon looked to play on the counter-attack and was smart in helping his side workaround Northampton's high press. Wasn't afraid to shoot from range today and was unlucky to not get on the scoresheet.

RM: J Lyden (7)

Making his first league start of the season, Swindon fans may have been surprised to see Lyden used further upfield than he has typically done in his career so far. Slotted in alongside Reed nicely and once settled into the match contributed well with his passing around the edge of the Northampton box. A good outing for the Australian who will now look to push on.

LM: J Payne (7)

Delivered the cross into the box for Swindon's opening goal and endured a tiresome afternoon as he was often used as an additional left-back when Northampton attacked. Was pulled off in the second half complaining of pain in his knee but should hopefully be ok for Friday.

CAM: J Williams (8)

The impact of Jonny Williams was there for all to see today as he added an extra dimension to Swindon's attack with his ability to run at defenders helping get Swindon into dangerous attacking areas. Was the main creator in Swindon's attack and produced his best performance for the Robins as Town ran riot.

ST: T Simpson (9)

Simpson almost produced the perfect strikers' performance today despite only scoring the solitary goal that takes his tally to 10 for the season. The 19-year-old was excellent at protecting the ball and looked sharp when running at defenders. Showed awareness to pass outside in the build-up to the opening goal and demonstrated his class when bringing down a high ball before running at defenders and finishing brilliantly for his goal. 

ST: H McKirdy (10)

A 10 out of 10 performance for Harry McKirdy as the striker scored four goals to get Swindon back to winning ways. His goals weren't spectacular but McKirdy showed his qualities in being in the right areas at the right time and staying calm under pressure.

The attacker was alert and energetic at all times as Northampton failed to get a grip of him early on with McKirdy making The Cobblers pay at every opportunity he could get. Was denied a fifth goal by the keeper after his smart shot was tipped onto the post. McKirdy is unplayable when high on confidence and he will now have the bit between his teeth as Swindon face Man City next.

Substitutions:

R Crichlow (6)

Replaced Jack Payne to help tighten up Swindon's defence but didn't have much defending to do as the Robins went on a series of ruthless attacks. Got 30 minutes into his legs on his return from injury and that will be valuable ahead of next week's FA Cup match.

B Gladwin (6)

Had very little to do when he came on with Swindon's five goals already scored and Northampton cutting a deflated and embarrassed figure.

R East (N/A)