Adver Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players following their 2-1 defeat to Northampton Town in League One

Matej Kovar – 5

Although he probably wasn’t at fault for either of the goals, Kovar’s distribution was really poor throughout. Failed to dominate his area either.

Paul Caddis – 7

Following an iffy first 15 where Nicky Adams ran him ragged at left-back, Caddis responded very well when switched to the right and got forward plenty.

Akin Odimayo – 7

Occasionally unorthodox but often effective, Odimayo proved once again he is fully deserving of the new contract Wellens suggested he would be given.

Mathieu Baudry – 4

The Frenchman looks desperately low on confidence and was arguably at fault for both of Northampton’s goals. Wellens said afterwards he needs to go back to being a defender and keep things simple again – sound advice.

Jonathan Grounds – 6

Played reasonably well at left-back despite it not being his natural position – picked up yet another yellow for dissent though and is dangerously close to being suspended. Booked.

Matt Smith – 7

Smith should have buried a first-half chance, but didn’t let that affect him and continued to be Swindon’s driving force for attacks in the second.

Anthony Grant – 7

Wellens was after more from his midfield general prior to the game, and he certainly got it after a tough opening spell. Grant was key to ensuring Northampton remained pinned inside their own half throughout the second half.

Jonny Smith – 5

The energy and endeavour will always be there, it seems, but Smith needs to start producing more in the attacking third. He fluffed his lines on a couple of first-half chances before being pulled midway through the second. Subbed.

Jack Payne – 5

Not Payne’s finest game – he dived into too many challenges in midfield, let Northampton play around him in the first half and was not particularly effective in the final third. Subbed.

Jordan Stevens – 5

A game in which his quality was not shown nearly as much as it could have been. Hit plenty of crosses in, but few had the requisite quality to feed Hope. Subbed.

Hallam Hope – 5

Hope proved Wellens right in saying he is not a natural number nine by failing to take the handful of chances he was presented with before being subbed for the far more effective Tyler Smith. Subbed.

SUBSTITUTES

Diallang Jaiyesimi – 7

Although playing slightly out of position to the left of a midfield three, Jaiyesimi linked play nicely and looked a threat to Northampton’s defenders. Booked.

Joel Grant – 7

After a few lacklustre substitute appearances, it appears Grant is discovering his match sharpness. The winger ran at his man plenty of times and should have rescued a point for Swindon, if not for a debatable foul on the goalkeeper.

Tyler Smith – 8

Another impactful showing from Smith. After being sent on with Wellens’ men in the ascendancy, the Sheffield United loanee won and scored the penalty that gave Swindon hope. He will be bitterly disappointed at completely messing up the one-on-one chance shortly after the goal, however.