ADVER Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players following the club’s 3-0 victory over Hartlepool United on Saturday.

Lewis Ward: 8

He made two excellent saves, kept a clean sheet, and never put his team in any danger with his distribution. All in all, a really good afternoon for Ward.

Mandela Egbo: 6

Egbo didn’t sparkle in defence as he has done further forward, but that was his first game at right-back in months, so he deserves the benefit of the doubt, I think. Played a nicely-weighted assist for McKirdy’s first goal. Subbed with a tight groin. Subbed.

Mathieu Baudry: 9

Scored his first goal in front of Swindon fans to cap off an excellent afternoon. He barely put a foot wrong, he was calm, moved the ball quickly, and battled away. Since he said he’d probably retire, the Frenchman is playing with a freedom which has really helped him – it’s so pleasing to watch. Equally as influential as McKirdy but at the other end of the pitch.

Dion Conroy: 7

Conroy took his time to get hold of Bogle, but once he did, the Town skipper bullied him out of the game. Aside from a couple of under-hit back passes, Conroy was solid alongside the experienced Frenchman.

Ellis Iandolo: 7

Slotting back in at left-back, Iandolo got forward plenty of times while doing his best to cope with the dangerous Luke Molyneux. The player-of-the-season candidate provided a superb goal-saving block in the first half. Booked.

Louis Reed: 8

Reed dictated the game throughout, and his passing and control was superb too – especially on that pitch. He broke up play and enjoyed the freedom of Durham when the Hartlepool midfield became stretched.

Jack Payne: 8

Payne’s positivity and drive to bring the team forward was obvious, but the dirty work and the energy he provided on the defensive side of the ball should not be forgotten either. The assist for McKirdy’s second was sublime.

Jonny Williams: 7

Williams was always trying to be direct and often ran towards goal without a second thought – something Town sometimes lack without him. He linked up with those around him and put in a solid shift. Subbed.

Louie Barry: 6

Barry endured a difficult afternoon where most of the things he tried failed to come off. Being 18, that will happen from time to time, but you can’t fault his determination and work rate.

Josh Davison: 6

Davison provided the physical presence that allowed McKirdy and other smaller players to thrive, but he wasn’t at his most impressive on a personal level. Hartlepool’s Jake Hull enjoyed a decent game against him.

Harry McKirdy: 9

Returning from a month-long lay-off, McKirdy looked like he’d never been away. Scorer of two first-time finishes, McKirdy was unlucky not to walk away with the match ball. A fine 70 minutes indeed. Subbed.

SUBSTITUTES

Akin Odimayo: 6

Odimayo was efficient in everything he did, but by the time he came on Olufela Olomola had run out of steam a little so it made the Town full-back’s task a little easier.

Harry Parsons: 6

Parsons is clearly desperate to score, and I’m really willing him on, but he lacked composure on a couple of occasions when he could have netted for the first time. I’m sure when he does score, it will be a massive goal for the club.

Ben Gladwin: N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.