ADVER Sport assess the performances of the Swindon Town players following the club’s 2-1 win at home to Port Vale in the League Two play-off semi-final first leg.

Lewis Ward: 6

Aside from one good and important save in added time, Ward was not required to do much else. He dealt with balls into his box confidently – usually by punching away. The only negative was his kicking. He’s just not comfortable with the ball at his feet, and the conditions exacerbated that against Vale.

Mandela Egbo: 7

Egbo was always looking to get forward, and he showed good composure and ball control throughout. I thought he built on a brilliant display against Walsall last week with some important contributions in the final third. Subbed.

Mathieu Baudry: 7

Baudry was excellent once again with some key blocks and decisive passing. He might have been given an eight until a lapse in positioning allowed Wilson to score late on.

Dion Conroy: 8

It’s impressive to see Conroy’s turnaround in form since the start of the year. He now looks like the confident, aggressive, powerful leader that he’s always felt he can be. Wilson barely had a sniff all afternoon thanks to some good blocks and a dominant aerial display from Conroy.

Ellis Iandolo: 4

Iandolo had a really poor afternoon. He mis-placed passes, didn’t make many tackles, and appeared hesitant in his decision-making. He will need to play better on Thursday night.

Jack Payne: 7

Payne was unlucky not to score on Sunday – he had so many shots. As usual, he covered so much ground and tried to be positive with the ball at his feet.

Louis Reed: 6

Due to the ball being in the air so much, Reed was unable to get on the ball and dictate play as much as he normally would. I don’t think it was a bad performance from Reed – it was just due to the nature of the game that he couldn’t have too much of an impact. Booked.

Jonny Williams: 6

It was a similar story for Williams as it was for Reed, I thought. Aside from the pin-point accurate corner for McKirdy’s first goal, Williams wasn’t able to thread those key passes in a nervy, scrappy game. Subbed.

Louie Barry: 6

I would have liked Barry to drive at his man a bit more often than he did. He looked quite tired or nervous maybe – it wasn’t the usual carefree and bouncy display he normally provides. Subbed.

Josh Davison: 7

Davison’s hold-up play and his desire to fight Vale’s centre-backs was impressive and a huge part of Town being able to play in the final third. But, and it’s a big one, how crucial could that chance he failed to put away be? Only time will tell – I hope he can score in the second leg. Booked.

Harry McKirdy: 8

Before Sunday, McKirdy hadn’t scored in either game against Port Vale. What a way to put it right. The header was all about his movement, while the volley showed his wonderful technique. He can fire Town to League One if he plays another huge role over the next two games.

SUBSTITUTES

Akin Odimayo (75): N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.

Ben Gladwin (80): N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.

Jake O’Brien (90+4): N/A

Came on too late to receive a rating.