Swindon Town players rated after defeat to Wrexham AFC

James McClean scored the only goal of the game after 13 minutes before James Jones received two yellow cards in the second half, however, Swindon could not take the chances they created to take anything away from the game.

So, how did the players get on as individuals on Boxing Day?

GK: Lewis Ward – 6

This was a pretty classic Ward performance. He made some fine saves, particularly early in the second half to prevent Wrexham from being out of sight, but his struggles with distribution were plain to see with many balls going straight out. Michael Flynn seems very set on getting a new goalkeeper, Ward has two more chances to change his mind.

Ward claims a cross (Image: Andy Crook)

RCB: Harrison Minturn – 5

All three of the defenders had a hand in the goal that Wrexham scored, which, as has too often been the case this season, was the difference between winning and losing. Minturn was strong on the ball in this one and was generally fine in defence, but it was nothing to write home about.

CB: Saidou Khan – 5

I actually thought Khan was better in defence than in midfield in this one. He seemed to have a bit more freedom as something of a libero in the back three before playing with more discipline in midfield. He took some time to get his bearings after stepping forward and that created arguably Wrexham’s best period.

LCB: Williams Kokolo – 5

This, like most of Kokolo’s performances, was fine, nothing too special. He helped contribute to Tyrese Shade’s performance with runs outside him, but he had no major impact at either end.

RWB: Remeao Hutton – 4

This was probably the most any team has been able to smother Hutton. Jacob Mendy definitely got the better of their duel in both directions. He was only truly able to get beyond Mendy once and he put in a great ball when he did, but this was the only time he was able to do it.

Shade gets beyond McClean (Image: Andy Crook)

CM: Liam Kinsella – 6

After finally getting a consistent spot in the team due to injuries elsewhere, Kinsella has started to show what he has in the last two games. His energy was good, and it meant that Elliot Lee was able to do very little.

CM: George McEachran – 5

Another injury to a regular starter is absolutely not what was needed. Having put in arguably his best display of the season at Tranmere, McEachran started this game well also as he and Kinsella had the legs required to deal with Wrexham’s midfield. But I can’t really give higher than a five for 30 minutes of decent play.

LWB: Tyrese Shade – 7

This may well have been Shade’s best league game in a Town shirt (vs. Crystal Palace under-21s in the EFL Trophy will always be his best overall). Almost all of Swindon’s dangerous attacks came through him as he consistently had the ability to go on the inside and the outside. It is important to note that Swindon’s danger was rather limited and so seven it is.

CAM: Dan Kemp – 6

As always, Kemp gets marked on his own scale because of how consistently excellent he is. He is a joy to watch play with his ability to pop up all over the pitch and make things happen. He was just lacking that little bit of extra quality in the box today, with a particularly disappointing cross from a good position at the end.

Kemp on the ball in the second half (Image: Andy Crook)

ST: Charlie Austin – 4

Playing this number of games in quick succession was always going to be tough for Austin and after an influential display at Tranmere, he went a bit missing against Wrexham. He always wants to help the team and drop deep but that was preventing him from being a factor in the final third.

ST: Jake Young – 6

This was an interesting performance from Young as he was simultaneously excellent and terrible. After a quiet opening 45, he was a big factor after the break as he was running with power and creating chances. The issue was that he missed at least two chances you would expect him to score with his eyes closed.

Subs:

Tom Brewitt – 5

After coming on far earlier than expected, Brewitt straight away showed why he has been a big player this season, he instantly wanted to be physical with McClean and Sam Dalby. He did well to last over an hour straight after coming back but he was solid more than anything else.

Jake Cain – 6

Cain was introduced right on my cut-off for giving out a rating and did well with his time on the pitch. This season he has become a real goal threat from midfield and his shot was so close to wrong-footing Arthur Okonkwo. He came on and made an impact and that is all you can really ask for.