Swindon 2 Walsall 0 - player ratings

Not his busiest afternoon. Put in a difficult position for the second goal and almost saved Gordon’s blushes with an initial interception – only for Hepburn-Murphy to convert the loose ball.

Unlucky 6

PRIESTLEY FARQUHARSON

Didn’t look particularly comfortable on the ball in the first half. Did generate a chance for Hutchinson with a bustling run after the break.

Difficult afternoon 5

DONERVON DANIELS

His diagonal switches offered an out ball for Walsall on a couple of occasions. Did okay overall.

Okay 6

TAYLOR ALLEN

Returned to left centre-back and was beaten to the ball by Hepburn-Murphy for the second goal.

Average 6

TOM KNOWLES

Received two bookings in the space of four minutes to compound a difficult afternoon.

Dismissed 4

OISIN MCENTEE

Didn’t quite build on his match winning performance at Salford. Did force a good save from Murphy in the first half.

Ok 6

RYAN STIRK

A quiet afternoon for the midfielder. Was replaced on the hour with Sadler opting for a more attacking option by introducing Johnson.

Quiet 5

ISAAC HUTCHINSON

Picked up the ball in good areas, although his decision making in the final third lacked conviction.

Struggled 5

LIAM GORDON

Threatened down the left, especially towards the end of the first half. At fault for the second goal with a poor back pass.

Mixed 5

ROSS TIERNEY

Plenty of energy but was uncharacteristically wasteful on the ball at times.

Struggled 5

FREDDIE DRAPER

Denied by Murphy Maloney before the break with what was Walsall’s best chance. Subbed off after a quiet second half.

Big chance 5

Substitutes

Danny Johnson (for Stirk, 61). 5; Douglas James-Taylor (for Draper, 71) 5; Aramide Oteh (for Tierney, 80), Joe Riley (for McEntee, 80). Not used: Jackson Smith, David Okagbue, Jamille Matt.