Swindon Town 1 Wigan Athletic 4: Player ratings

Good Friday saw Swindon Town needing to be resurrected from the dead, after a second half capitualtion saw what was a close fought tie fall to pieces. Three goals in four minutes saw Wigan Athletic romp to a 4-1. Total Sport's Danny Gallagher provides his player ratings from the clash.

Tyrell Belford – Deputised once again for the injured Vigouroux and got off to a sterling start with a reflex save to deny a certain headed goal. Belford put in a spirited performance and doesn’t deserve the negative reflection with which the score line gives him. Let down by those in front. 6

Nathan Thompson – A mixed evening. Town’s most passionate performer started the match so brightly, almost opening the scoring after going on a run which saw three men beaten. The talking point undoubtedly the straight red, mere moments after being announced Town’s man-of-the-match. A poor, irritation-fuelled decision from Thompson, and now Town will miss his absence. 6

Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill – A quiet one by ‘B.O.O’s’ recent standards. Wigan’s utilisation of a back five completely eliminated over-lapping runs from Town, and thus Ormonde-Ottewill’s attacking impetus which we have seen of late all but dried up. 5

Jordan Turnbull – An under the radar performance by Turnbull. Manoeuvered his way out of some tricky situations in the first half when passing out from the back, but was beaten by his man a time too many throughout the game. 5

Nicky Ajose – Ajose erased an almost non-existent first half by scoring a delightful goal in the second. It was only a mere consolation, but the finish was expert nonetheless. Evidently missed the hold-up play of Jon Obika throughout. Lucky not to pick out Jaaskelainen’s top corner with a free kick. 6

Michael Doughty – A poor performance by Doughty, in a game which needed someone to step up and seize control of the centre. Doughty looked over ran and often found himself phased out of the game. One to forget. 4

Louis Thompson – Provided energy in the middle and always looked to run positively and directly with the ball at feet. Succumbed to the composure of Wigan in centre midfield and couldn’t exert his full force on the tie. 5

Jamie Sendles-White – The defender has been bright since making his Town debut against Blackpool, but this performance wasn’t one of his finest. Looked like a mismatch up against Griggs and Wildschut from the off. Was rightly substituted. 4

Jermaine Hylton – Came in to fill in for the hamstrung Jon Obika, but perhaps with too little short notice. A shame for Hylton, who has no doubt been waiting for his chance, but his link up with Ajose was non-existent and Wigan were never threatened. 4

Anton Rodgers – Another part of the midfield ensemble who lost the battle of midfield. Rodgers had a quiet one, sprayed a few long balls but nothing to catch the eye. 4

Bradley Barry – Always plays with a determined head, but still struggled to contain the Latics, especially when the goals started to poor. Put in some fine challenges in the latter stages, but the tie was all but lost. 5

Substitutions

Fabien Robert – Came on to replace Hylton and immediately looked like one of, if not the best Swindon Town players on the pitch. Neat, silky footwork embedded with determination and guilt. Assisted Ajose for the goal with a lovely through ball. 6

Drissa Traore – Replaced Sendles-White and began to hammer into the tackles from the word go. Traore showed passion and a willingness to throw himself around. In hindsight, he probably should have started this game. 6

James Brophy – Came on to replace Anton Rodgers and looked to widen the play as soon as possible. Wigan soon became wise to the 21-year-old’s game plan and soon minimalised his threat. 5