BRISTOL ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS
JAMES BELSHAW - 8
Watched as Jon Guthrie’s header struck his crossbar flush and cannoned away to safety, but Belshaw flew high to the same top corner to make an excellent fingertip save to repel Paul Lewis’ shot on the turn. Was powerless again as Mitch Pinnock’s half-volley cracked the woodwork in the second half. His brave patrols off his line came in handy as ever, and he nullified the threat from throw-ins and crosses by claiming them decisively.
LUCA HOOLE - 8
Made a couple of threatening raids forward, but it was his defensive work that was so crucial. Made clearance after clearance to ensure the hosts had no momentum.
CONNOR TAYLOR - 9
Rovers needed his aerial prowess to come to the fore against League Two’s set-piece masters, and Taylor delivered an epic performance - dominant, and winning countless clearing headers as Northampton launched throw-ins and crosses into the box.
JAMES CONNOLLY - 8
Calm and composed as ever, showing no fear in possession and defending stoutly. Took a booking for the team with a welltimed cynical foul in a moment of danger.
NICK ANDERTON - 8
Never shies away from the physical challenge. A game made for Anderton and he stood tall, winning more than his fair share of headers and ensured the threatening Aaron McGowan rarely threatened down his side.
PAUL COUTTS - 8
A mixed bag in the first half. Some moments of class in possession were almost undone by Sam Hoskins, with the Cobblers man intercepting one risky pass in the Rovers third and later blocking a clearance with the ball almost bouncing his way for a clear chance. There was plenty of good work to admire, though. He was a superb shield for the defence, clearing so many moments of danger and his clock management was masterful.
HARRY ANDERSON - 9
His brimming confidence was evident inside less than a minute, pouncing on Guthrie’s terrible back-pass. Still, Anderson had plenty of work to do to take the opportunity, but he finished in a similar fashion to his goal at Crawley, sliding the ball below the onrushing goalkeeper from a tight angle. Played a crucial role in the second half, running his channel tirelessly and winning several cheap corners, free-kicks and throw-ins.
ANTONY EVANS - 7
Shown himself as more of an all-rounder in midfield of late and continued in the same vein with a crunching challenge on Peter Abimbola. With the ball in the air often, Evans had few chances to create, but he was tenacious and did the job required.
SAM FINLEY - 8
Combative and clever. His passing occasionally lacked precision in tricky conditions, but he was at the heart of the battle and helped steer Rovers through difficult moments.
ELLIOT ANDERSON - 7
Similar to Evans, the flow of the game gave him few moments in possession, but he did show glimpses of his class amid a dogged showing.
AARON COLLINS - 7
Should have kept himself onside when Coutts had the chance to feed him on the counter not long after Rovers had taken the lead. Was a pest for the defence, but could have made more of his hard work. SUBSTITUTES
NOT USED: Jed Ward, Cian Harries, Trevor Clarke, Glenn Whelan, Harvey Saunders, Ryan Loft, Leon Clarke. NORTHAMPTON: Liam Roberts, Aaron McGowan, Fraser Horsfall, Jon Guthrie, Joseph Mills, Tyler Magloire (Peter Abimbola, 19 mins, Chanka Zimba, 73 mins), Jack Sowerby, Mitch Pinnock, Paul Lewis, Sam Hoskins (Beryly Lubala, 84 mins), Louis Appere.
NOT USED: Michael Harriman, Benny Ashley-Seal, Jonny Maxted, Danny Rose.