BRISTOL ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS
JAMES BELSHAW - 5
At fault for the second goal with a risky pass out from the back intercepted, though Dom Telford still had plenty to do with the finish. Redeemed himself with some quality saves. Nothing he could do with the first and third goals.
HARRY ANDERSON - 4
Difficulties with positioning in the first period, being caught between a rock and a hard place when deciding whether to attack or sit back. Improved after the break, putting in a good cross for Brett Pitman, but he was kept quiet for the most part.
ALFIE KILGOUR - 4
Struggled early, making poor contact with clearances to keep Rovers under pressure. Improved, but gifted Timmy Abraham a chance to make it four with a bonkers throw-in only for the striker to make a complete mess of it.
CONNOR TAYLOR - 4
Took a risk trying to steal the ball from Finn Azaz as Newport looked to counter and the defender was punished, with the Exiles’ man lifting the ball over Taylor and racing in to provide for Telford’s second goal.
NICK ANDERTON - 4
Another testing afternoon for the defender, who had a tough time dealing with Newport’s width and struggled to keep possession.
LUKE THOMAS - 4
Should have pulled one back when put through one-on-one, but he telegraphed his idea and Joe Day was equal to his low strike. A brilliant run created a great chance for Sam Nicholson, but the Scotsman missed the target. On reflection, the winger could have shot when the space opened up.
GLENN WHELAN - 4
Lax in possession, particularly in a first half when Rovers were smothered by the Newport press.
ANTONY EVANS - 4
Did not see enough of the ball. When he did get touches, he looked capable of creating something, with a quicklyplayed through ball for Thomas an example, but Rovers suffered in the midfield battle.
SAM NICHOLSON - 4
Struggled to get into the game and spurned a big chance to make it 2-2, skying his effort after being found by Luke Thomas.
AARON COLLINS - 4
Plugged away and had a couple of halfchances, but could have few complaints when he was taken off.
BRETT PITMAN - 6
Gave Rovers a lifeline with an incredible turn and finish into the top corner. It encapsulated the striker’s ability to score from nothing. Will be frustrated he did not make more of Anderson’s cross, but he was always Rovers’ likeliest source of a goal.
SUBSTITUTES
ZAIN WESTBROOKE (for Collins, 69 mins) - 4
Barely touched the ball.
PAUL COUTTS (for Anderson, 69 mins) - 4
Gave the ball away often.
SAM FINLEY (for Whelan, 69 mins) 5
Scrapped away.
NOT USED: Jed Ward, Junior Brown, Luca Hoole, Sion Spence.
NEWPORT COUNTY: Joe Day, James Clarke, Matthew Dolan (Finn Azaz, 16 mins), Mickey Demetriou, Cameron Norman, Robbie Willmott, Jake Cain, Oli Cooper, Aaron Lewis, Courtney Baker-Richardson (Timmy Abraham, 87 mins), Dom Telford (Kevin Ellison, 79 mins).
NOT USED: Alex Fisher, Lewis Collins, Christopher Missilou, Nick Townsend.