Swindon Town players rated after FA Cup win v Colchester

Harry Anderson had given The U’s a second-half lead but Joel McGregor lashed in the equaliser before full time before Kabongo Tshimanga won it during extra time.

So, how did the players fare as individuals at The Nigel Eady County Ground?

(Image: Newsquest)

GK: Jack Bycroft – 6

Another strong performance as he returns to the side. Anderson’s finish was terrific and gave him no chance but he dealt with everything else, looked calm throughout, and kicked well to get the ball to Harry Smith consistently.

RCB: Will Wright – 6

There was one absolutely wonderful pass from Wright in the second half that went straight onto George Cox’s instep to get him into space. He was being asked to play longer more often in this one and he did so very well and defended space well to limit Colchester.

CB: Harrison Minturn – 6

Lyle Taylor was a very tough test for him as he was playing very well but Minturn stepped up and again showed himself to be a very strong, physical defender at this level.

LCB: Miguel Freckleton – 5

Taking one moment aside when he was put under pressure unnecessarily, Freckleton played well in this one. His last-ditch challenge in the area during the first half was excellent and showed the desire everyone was playing with.

RWB: Tunmise Sobowale – 7

Ellis Iandolo had no clue how to deal with him. Sobowale breezed past him consistently and was a real attacking threat. He put in a few good crosses and a few that needed work but moving back to his natural position, he proved his versatility.

CM: Ollie Clarke – 8

I am not sure if it was simply understanding the instructions better in a Bristolian accent, but this was by a distance Clarke’s best showing for Swindon. He was dominant in midfield, going coast to coast, winning tackles, and driving Town up the pitch.

CM: Gavin Kilkenny – 7

Kilkenny was in a more advanced role than normal and played it very well. He also cut through Colchester many times with his running and also his incisive passing.

LWB: George Cox – 6

His throw-in created the winning goal and that was the key moment. His crossing was not the most dangerous it has been but his drive to keep getting forward and giving the strikers something to attack was very good.

ST: Kabongo Tshimanga – 6

He came up clutch in the big moment. As he brought up post-match, he had a few more chances to score before but it matters less when the goal comes. He showed a lot more energy than in recent performances, threatening in behind and also getting into areas to get his shots off.

ST: Harry Smith – 8

The Smith redemption arc has been great to watch in the last few games. He didn’t score in this one but he was pivotal to nearly every chance Swindon created as he won every header.

ST: Aaron Drinan – 6

Having put in a very gutsy display last week, we saw it again from Drinan today. He, like everyone else, worked so hard without the ball and interchanged very nicely with the other strikers.

Substitutes:

Nnamdi Ofoborh – 7

A big display from Ofoborh off the bench. He created a few chances for himself with his running and some surprisingly silky feet.

Joel Cotterill – 6

Cotterill is really starting to look comfortable in senior football. Winning the ball in midfield and charging forwards was a key intervention to set up Sean McGurk for what could have been the winner.

Danny Butterworth – 7

His Diego Maradona-style run in extra time was just ridiculous and only bettered by his punt at the end which couldn’t have gone to a better spot if you picked it up and put it there. He looked hungry to prove a point and he did so.

Sean McGurk – 5

There was good and not-so-good from McGurk as he came on and made his presence known, although he could have used a bit more composure in key moments.

Joel McGregor – 7

I was very surprised when he was dropped and you have to think it won’t be happening again. He is such an accomplished player for this stage of his career, impacting games in attack and defence.