BRISTOL ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS

ANSSI JAAKKOLA - 7

Had a very quiet afternoon, save for one superb stop in the second half. Anthony McMahon rifled towards the top corner, but Jaakkola diverted it onto the post with his fingertip.

JOSH HARE - 8

Scored a superb goal to make it 2-0, charging through the right channel and finishing first time with the outside of his boot. Defended well.

MAX EHMER (C) - 7

Was tested early doors with Darlington starting well, but he defended well. Slow to pick a pass from defence when the scores were level, but improved in that regard as the game went on and assisted Nicholson’s goal with a good downward header.

JACK BALDWIN - 7

Solid display defensively, backing up his excellent performance at Wigan. Forced passes that were not on as Rovers started the game nervously, but was untroubled thereafter.

LUKE LEAHY - 8

Becoming a goal machine! Took his two penalties well and got involved in the attack at every opportunity.

JOSH GRANT - 7

Good performance off the ball, snapping into tackles before moving the ball quickly and without fuss.

BEN LIDDLE - 8 (PICTURED)

Great debut, pressing with great intent and pushing forward when possible. Looks a good talent for Tisdale to work with. LUKE MCCORMICK - 8

A player who will routinely frustrate through his mercurial nature, but there were moments of excellence, particularly his assist for Hare’s goal.

ERHUN OZTUMER - 8

Constantly threatened and found pockets of space to create. Scored his first goal for the club and made things tick up top. SAM NICHOLSON - 8

Like Oztumer, the diminutive winger threatened throughout and had a hand in pretty much every move going forward.

Got the assist for Oztumer’s goal and for one of his own in the second half. JAMES DALY - 8

Excellent performance, scoring a poacher’s goal before winning two penalties through his exuberance. Tisdale will be concerned with Daly limping off injured in the second half. SUBSTITUTIONS

Alfie Kilgour (for Ehmer on 63 minutes) - 7Solid.

Zain Westbrooke (or Nicholson on 63 minutes) - 6Tried a bit too hard to impress. Cian Harries (for Liddle on 77 minutes) - 6Steady in midfield.

NOT USED: Jordi van Stappershoef, Ed Upson, , Brandon Hanlan, Ali Koiki.

DARLINGTON

Johnny Saltmer, Jordan Watson, Joe Wheatley, Nicholas Hunt, William Hatfield (c) (Theo Hudson 87’), Adam Campbell, Jarrett Rivers, Luke Charman (Omar Holness 64’), Anthony McMahon, David Atkinson, Sean Reid (Tyrone O’Neill 45’)

SUBS NOT USED

Melvyn Minter, Louis Lang, Ben Hedley, Dan Maguire