Swindon 2 Walsall 1 - Player ratings

JACK ROSE

In reality, Rose didn't have a whole lot to do. Swindon were limited to chances but when called upon he was solid. The second goal was disappointing to see trickle into the net, but the deflection wrong-footed Rose and it would be harsh to blame him. 6

SHAY FACEY

In his first league start in a Saddlers shirt, Facey did well. The squad could probably have done with seeing him a few week ago, if it wasn't for injuries. Going forward he looked a threat and he did extremely well for the golden opportunity for Holden at the end of the game. 6

DAN SCARR

An uncharacteristically nervy performance from Scarr – he perhaps needs James Clarke back to partner him. His positioning was off for the first goal and the second goal took a huge deflection off him as he tried to block. He should have scored too, with two good chances. 5

MAT SADLER

A decent performance from Sadler, who didn't do anything wrong but didn't set the world alight. He needed a solid and quiet personal performance after his comical sending off against Oldham and he used his experience to do just that. 6

ZAK JULES

Not the return from injury that Jules would have wanted. He was partially responsible for the first goal, with poor positioning and he gifted the opportunity, that led to the second goal, with a scuffed back pass. In the individual mistake merry-go-round it was Jules' turn. 5

CAMERON PRING

A vastly improved performance from Pring who struggled on his return from injury a couple weeks ago. He was a huge threat going forward and created several chances for his teammates. Defensively he did well too and it was a mature performance from the youngster. 7

DANNY GUTHRIE

Guthrie actually started the game brightly and put in a couple crunching tackles early on. But his injury nightmare continues and he only lasted 20 minutes. When he's fit and firing, he has the quality, but too often now he's out injured – perhaps he's just unlucky. 4

LIAM KINSELLA

It was a performance that many come to expect from Kinsella, dogged, determined and disciplined. While the team missed Sinclair, Kinsella took over that role and was terrier-like in midfield. He didn't create anything going forward but he hardly put a foot wrong. 6

RORY HOLDEN

Another assist for Holden, with an excellent free-kick delivery. But the headlines will focus on his golden chance in the 94th minute. The goalkeeper was on the floor, the ball is at Holden's feet six yards out, and the goalkeeper saves. He simply has to score. 5

ELIJAH ADEBAYO

Adebayo didn't build off his goal and performance last week, it just didn't click for him against Swindon. It wasn't for a lack of trying, but he couldn't get the ball under his spell and had no clear sights at goal. He was substituted after 70 minutes, unsurprisingly. 5

RORY GAFFNEY

It was good to see him get his first Walsall goal, and he took it well. But Gaffney offered very little other than that. He worked hard, as usual, but he struggled to hold the ball up and bring others into play. He looks like he needs a rest. 5

ALFIE BATES (for Guthrie 23)

Bates has proved himself as more than a worthy understudy to some of the veteran midfielders. The teenager is tenacious, good on the ball and always looks to go forward. He’ll make mistakes, and he’s young, but he could be a real talent. 7

Subs: Hardy (for Jules 72) 5, Lavery (for Adebayo) 5.

Subs not used: L.Roberts, Norman, Liddle, Gordon.