ADVER Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players after their 2-1 win over Northampton Town at the County Ground on Saturday.

Archie Matthews – 6

Matthews should have done better with the Cobblers’ goal, but his response was extremely impressive. Aside from one or two awkward moments, the 19-year-old made a handful of good saves and his kicking was excellent.

Paul Caddis – 7

Caddis thrived in his role as experienced full back in a game that almost always needed to be slowed down. Northampton gained no joy down the left as Caddis immediately shut the play down on most occasions.

Dion Conroy – 6

Conroy’s first half was pretty poor. Nothing glaring, but he made quite a few little mistakes and didn’t seem to be at the required level. His second half was better though as Town closed the game out.

Tom Broadbent – 8

Broadbent was first-class in repelling every ball that came his way aerially. I don’t recall many balls beating him on the ground either, and two brilliant interceptions spring to mind as well.

Jonathan Grounds – 7

Grounds was very solid on the left side of defence with a number of good tackles. His and Caddis’ experience seemed to help Broadbent and Conroy too, especially in the second half. Booked.

Matt Palmer – 7

Palmer battled away well at the base of the Swindon midfield and provided a key pass in the build up to Swindon’s winner. An early yellow did not prevent him from putting his foot in later on either. Booked.

Scott Twine – 8

Twine’s confidence must be through the roof at the moment after scoring yet another important goal for his hometown club. The free-kick was exquisite, and exactly what Swindon needed after a poor first half.

Jack Payne – 7

Though many around him were struggling in the opening half, Payne’s energy and aggression could not be faulted. He was the standout performer in the first half before others took over in the second.

Dom Thompson – 5

Thompson was as poor as I’ve seen him this year. His passing was below standard, he didn’t put any crosses in, and his positional sense was not right in a role that does not suit him. Subbed.

Jordon Garrick – 8

Garrick continued to show his gradual improvement on Saturday following another excellent display against Lincoln prior to that. He is beginning to understand League One football while the team is beginning to understand his abilities and strengths. Garrick provided a perfectly-weighted cross for the winner.

Brett Pitman – 8

Pitman was hit and miss with his flick ons, but he won the most important header when it mattered (not that there was anyone around to battle with). Another goal meant another three points for Swindon.

SUBSTITUTE

Hallam Hope – 6

It wasn’t Hope’s brightest substitute appearance, but he kept Northampton’s right-back penned in and provided Swindon with some much-needed energy down the left.