ADVER Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players following the club’s 4-1 FA Cup third-round defeat to Manchester City on Friday night.

Lewis Ward: 7

The Town stopper, by his own admissions, was partially at fault for the short goal-kicks which cost a goal in the first half. However, he responded magnificently by making five saves – one of which was outstanding late on from Rodri’s piledriver. He also kept out a Gabriel Jesus penalty – a moment to savour, although he felt his save from Rodri was better.

Kaine Kesler-Hayden: 8

It doesn’t take a genius to see this kid is going places. Most thought he was good before Friday night, but a confident performance against the world’s best just proved his time with Aston Villa’s first team is a matter of when, not if.

Rob Hunt: 7

I’m not sure Hunt did a lot wrong at all, as far as I can remember. He was aggressive in the tackle and was rarely caught out of position, so props to the guy for a really solid display against the Premier League champions.

Dion Conroy: 7

Conroy was sent for a hotdog by Bernardo Silva’s movement for the first goal, but that can – and does – happen to the best. He also almost scored an own goal when not looking during a pass back to Ward. However, he mostly competed really well, defended his goal feverishly, and made sure Town’s defensive line moved up quickly during the handful of chances they got.

Akin Odimayo: 6

Odimayo held his own, I felt, even if it was in his usual awkward but effective style. A header back to Bernardo Silva should have been punished early on, but other than that he limited mistakes and got his positioning spot on. Subbed.

Ellis Iandolo: 5

Iandolo was given a torrid time by Cole Palmer throughout – the first and fourth goals were a result of Iandolo losing the battle against the 19-year-old. However, Town’s left-back’s crossing was superb – both from open play and set-pieces – so kudos for that.

Louis Reed: 5

Unfortunately, this was probably Reed’s worst game all season. Though he was given a needless pass by Ward, he lost the ball for the second goal. His passing wasn’t as good as it needed to be overall either – hopefully, he can bounce back against Mansfield on Tuesday. Subbed.

Jordan Lyden: 7

Lyden put in the kind of performance which shows why he is loved by the fans. He worked hard, was aggressive, and got forward when he could. A clumsy tackle gave away a penalty, but that was probably the only blemish in an otherwise strong night.

Ben Gladwin: 6

His positioning at defensive corners was often spot on, and he showed some nice touches, but was sometimes too slow to move the ball. But overall, I felt it was a decent performance. Subbed.

Tyreece Simpson: 6

The 19-year-old was not involved much at all given the nature of the contest, but he did try to make the most of whatever scraps came his way throughout. My only criticism would be that he held onto the ball for too long when others were in better positions. Rightly applauded off for his efforts though. Subbed.

Harry McKirdy: 8

Purely for the brilliantly-taken goal, and the fact he ran himself into the ground, I’m giving him an eight. Sometimes he tried too hard, but that’s understandable given what was at stake. A highly-commendable display from McKirdy before he cramped up late on. Subbed.

SUBSTITUTES

Jonny Williams: 7

Evidently, his lack of fitness prevented him from starting in a game where his quality would have been useful. But his impact off the bench was something to behold and he played his part with a really smart assist for McKirdy’s goal.

Romoney Crichlow: 6

The Huddersfield Town loanee enjoyed a decent 20-minute cameo with some good tackles and calming style about his play.

Harry Parsons: N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating, but what an experience for the Swindon-born lad who was playing National League South football a matter of days ago.

Mo Dabre: N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.

Ryan East: N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.