Swindon Town players rated after win over Mansfield Town

Jake Young had Swindon ahead at the break with a volley, before Lucas Akins levelled the scores shortly after the break, but three minutes into stoppage time Young turned home to get Town their first win since Newport County.

So, how did the players fare as individuals in the win at the County Ground?

GK: Murphy Mahoney – 6

It was heart-in-mouth stuff for a while with some of the passing at the back, but Mahoney was never phased and all of his passes got to their intended recipients. For once, Mahoney did not have to be the saviour in goal on account of a vastly improved defensive display.

RCB: Udoka Godwin-Malife – 7

The new box midfield set-up made it so Godwin-Malife could get forward when he pleased as someone was there to cover for him and, as always, he looked good when he chose to do so. His pace was useful on the occasions when Mansfield did find space in behind to close down that room.

CB: Harrison Minturn – 8

This felt like a real coming-of-age performance for Minturn. He was not error-free, but he showed that he belongs at this level. Coming up against one of League Two’s best forward lines, he was aggressive without the ball and prevented any of the forwards from having an easy afternoon.

Minturn celebrates the winner (Image: Callum Knowles)

LCB: Frazer Blake-Tracy – 7

Swindon needed to be gritty at times and Blake-Tracy was exactly that. It was very reminiscent of Blake-Tracy from early last season as he got his head on everything that came into the middle and made sure he got in front of every shot. Much like Mahoney, he also never panicked on the ball whilst I was having heart palpitations watching him.

RWB: Remeao Hutton – 6

This performance was more about how Hutton played in the build-up than the final third. He and Kemp linked up very nicely to create space for the latter in the final third, so he could pull the strings like he did all game. He had even less to hit with his crosses than normal, but he always gave Mansfield something to think about.

CDM: Saidou Khan – 7

Khan was a real enforcer in this game. When he stuck to his duties, he was strong in the tackle and helped Swindon win the midfield battle. He got carried away a few times and that was when Mansfield looked at their most dangerous, but he was key in shutting them down.

Kinsella on the ball (Image: Callum Knowles)

CDM: Liam Kinsella – 7

This is what Michael Flynn must have thought he was getting when he brought Kinsella from Walsall. By being part of a double pivot rather than a box-to-box player, he was responsible for a far smaller portion of the pitch and he made sure he controlled it. He dropped back when needed and kept it simple with the ball at his feet.

LWB: Williams Kokolo – 6

Kokolo was flying up the wing far less often in this one, but all of his crosses found a red shirt and he made sure he kept hold of the ball when he had it. He knew that Swindon had to be more cautious and he played that part well.

CM: George McEachran – 6

McEachran was given more freedom to roam in this one rather than having strict responsibilities. He has always been good in the press, so playing him further forward was a good plan for that. Some of his creative efforts were very nice, but some did not quite come off, but a player with his ability on the ball will start to show it if given time to play in this role.

CF: Dan Kemp – 9

My main fear in the second half was that Town would waste this Kemp performance. The formation change gave him the freedom to do what he wanted and he very much did that. Every time he touched the ball he created danger and no one wearing yellow could handle him at any point.

Kemp on the dribble (Image: Callum Knowles)

ST: Jake Young – 8

A slightly scuffed volley and a back post tap-in will not make the goal of the season vote, but they were greatly needed. The link-up between him and Kemp was as good as ever and he knew exactly where to be as a lone striker.

Subs:

Tyrese Shade – N/A

Charlie Austin – N/A