In a closely contested match at the Peninsula Stadium, Salford City edged out Swindon Town with a late goal, securing a 3-2 victory. Despite an impressive fightback from Swindon, which saw goals from Ollie Palmer and James Ball, it was Luke Garbutt who curled in a decisive free kick to clinch the win.
Player Performances: Ratings and Analysis
The performance of Swindon Town players varied significantly throughout the match, with some standing out while others struggled to make an impact.
Connor Ripley, the goalkeeper, received a rating of 3. His inability to clear the ball during stoppage time highlighted a challenging night for him. His kicking was inconsistent, and conceding the third goal proved disappointing.
In defense, Joel McGregor earned a rating of 5. Although he was involved in the build-up to Salford’s opening goal, he managed to maintain solidity for much of the match, as Salford primarily attacked through the middle.
Central defender Ryan Tafazolli scored 4 for his performance. He often found himself targeted for offensive plays but struggled to maintain defensive organization, particularly as Salford pressed forward. Teammate Filozofe Mabete also performed adequately, receiving a 5 for his solid showing, although concerns arose regarding an eye injury he sustained during the game.
On the left, Billy Kirkman rated 4, failing to connect effectively with Michael Olakigbe during the first half. Their lack of coordination hindered Swindon’s attacking potential.
In midfield, Gavin Kilkenny managed to keep the fight alive, earning a rating of 6 for his resilience in tackling and passing. He struggled to rally his teammates, who were not performing to their potential. Similarly, Tom Nichols received a 5, contributing defensively but lacking the control needed to dominate the midfield.
Aaron Drinan was less impactful, rated at 4. His only notable contribution was a clever flick to set Olakigbe on a run.
Darren Oldaker faced a disappointing night, scoring only a 3. After a strong previous performance, he appeared fatigued, struggling to maintain possession and pace.
In contrast, Michael Olakigbe shone in the second half with a rating of 8. After being repositioned wider, he became a significant threat, creating opportunities and driving at the Salford defense, despite some issues with shooting accuracy.
Striker Ollie Palmer received a 6 for his efforts. He effectively held up the ball and contributed to play, putting himself in a position to score.
Substitutes also made their mark. Will Wright, rated 6, proved valuable in attack, helping to push Swindon into scoring positions. Aidan Borland received the same score for showing promise in his brief appearance, moving the ball quickly and accurately. Finally, James Ball made a notable impact by scoring his first goal for Swindon, also rated at 6.
The match showcased moments of brilliance for Swindon, but ultimately, the late strike from Salford highlighted ongoing challenges for the team. As they regroup, the players will need to address their inconsistencies to improve future performances.
