ADVER Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players following their 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers in League One.

Matej Kovar: 7

Despite one brief heart-in-mouth moment, Kovar was otherwise very good when claiming aerial balls and the stopper made an outstanding save late on to deny Rovers an equaliser.

Akin Odimayo: 6

The versatile defender did OK at right-back and was never really tested in a defensive capacity. His passing was a little erratic going forward and his touch was not as sharp as in previous games. Booked.

Jonathan Grounds: 6

Though Grounds must be given credit for being a part of Town’s first league clean sheet, the experienced defender still looked a little out of sorts and will face a ban after picking up his fifth yellow of the season in League One. Booked.

Mathieu Baudry: 7

After a less than convincing first 20 minutes, Baudry really grew into the game and looked much more dependable as Town closed the result out. Hopefully, he can use this as a platform to return to his previous best.

Dion Donohue: 7

Donohue’s footwork is very impressive for a full-back, and his calmness on the ball was welcome in a scrappy, hectic fixture. Delivery was impressive in the few times he found the box. Booked.

Matt Smith: 7

During the first half, for everything good Smith did, he would do something poor to cancel it out. He improved in the second before providing Pitman with an inch-perfect cross to nod home.

Anthony Grant: 7

Grant’s performance against Rovers was much closer to what Town fans expect and know of him. Passes were sharp and efficient while he showed an energy that hasn’t been seen enough this season.

Jack Payne: 6

The attacker was much more disciplined in a flat three in midfield, but his attacking impetus was lost. Set pieces were usually really poor too. Subbed.

Jonny Smith: 5 Smith could do with a rest, I think, after what was another pretty disappointing showing. He offered very little before being hooked early in the second half. Subbed.

Brett Pitman: 6

I know I said I’d give him a 5 on the blog, but after some consideration I’ve realised all he is really in the team to do is score goals. So if he does that, as he did today, Pitman should be given a bit of a break. Having said that, he was pretty poor in every other moment other than his well-taken goal. Subbed.

Hallam Hope: 6

Though he should have done better in a couple of attacking scenarios, Hope’s best work was done defensively as he tracked back and ensured Rovers couldn’t produce much down their right.

SUBSTITUTES

Jordan Stevens: 6 

The winger showed glimpses of his quality while providing Town with an attacking impetus that Jonny Smith just did not. He could get better still, but that will come with game time.

Joel Grant: 6

Grant was perhaps unlucky to be dropped for this game but continued where he left off with another solid performance. A player you can hang your hat on, which will be important this season.

Tom Broadbent: N/A

Replaced Pitman in the 90th minute.