Swindon Town 4 Southend 2: Player Ratings

Swindon Town were on the triumphant end of a 4-2 scoreline at the County Ground on Saturday, as they defeated visitors Southend United. Total Sport's Danny Gallagher provides his player ratings, in what was a crazy come back by Luke Williams' men.

Lawrence Vigouroux –  A shaky start for the on loan Liverpool man. Clearly under the instructions to play it out from the back, Southend’s first goal arrived within six minutes as a result of the Chilean getting this drastically wrong. Vigouroux did well to recover from his horror pass with Branco, but didn’t have his best game in a Town shirt. 5/10

Brandon Ormonde-Ottewill – A commanding display by the full-back, who looked to advance at every opportunity. Picked out accurately by the midfield on several occasions, Ottewill’s fizzing crosses gave the Southend back line plenty to worry about. Was unlucky not to find himself on the score sheet also. 7/10

Raphael Rossi-Branco – Played his part in the circus act that was Town’s early passing errors across the line. Branco was fortunate not to be caught in a similar situation towards the end of the first half, but recovered well enough to help his side stage a comeback. 6/10

Jordan Turnbull – Another strong defensive display. Was in intervals part of the erratic defensive passing which Town exhibited throughout the game, but marked his man tightly throughout with plenty of tough challenges. 6/10

Bradley Barry – Worked up and down the wing. Plenty of running and plenty of willingness to get involved, but was often caught in possession and never truly looked a threat going forward. 6/10

Fabian Robert – The most easy on the eye all afternoon for Town. Robert looked to get himself involved in every move, exhibiting fine footwork and flair throughout. Almost got a goal of his own after volleying back at Bentley. 8/10

Drissa Traore – A slow and anxious start from Traore soon developed into a promising performance. Kept the midfield ticking once the Robins got a goal back, and left the field late on to a warm applause. 7/10

Anton Rodgers – Shows on countless occasions that his range of passing is right up there – but doesn’t always pick the best options. Rodgers was relatively static in the centre of the park against Southend, but dove-tailed well with Kasim and Traore. 6/10

Yaser Kasim – Quite a solid performance from the Iraq international. Kept movement flowing in the centre of the park and, as the heavens began to open and the rain lashed down, maintained a composed game with passing to match. 7/10

Jon Obika – Goal scoring hero and man of the match, Obika shone brightly during what was a grey afternoon at the County Ground. Harried the Southend back line well in the second half, looking to make room for the advancing Nicky Ajose. Took both his goals well, showcasing exactly what he is capable of when in form. 8/10

Nicky Ajose – Another promising display from the pint-sized Robins’ forward. Looked active throughout, always ready to run off the last man. Pounced instinctively to tuck away his first goal and finished his second with aplomb when facing Bentley one-on-one. 7/10

Substitutions

Jeremy Balmy – Came on to replace Traore at 77 minutes. Looked energised in the bitter wind and rain, and searched for any opening with which to make advancing runs. Didn’t have much chance to impose himself on the tie, but a spirited effort nonetheless. 6/10

Jermaine Hylton – Came on to replace man of the match Jon Obika in stoppage time. Had no time to make an impact. n/a