BRISTOL ROVERS PLAYER RATINGS
JAMES BELSHAW - 8
Fine performance. Was called into action early when Tyler Frost took aim for the bottom corner, but he was equal to it. A string of important saves followed. He claimed a corner in the sixth minute of stoppage-time with authority and it was celebrated like a goal.
ALFIE KILGOUR - 7
Was well-placed to head clear several dangerous crosses. A few awkward moments when moved to right-back, but played his part in earning a clean sheet.
CONNOR TAYLOR - 8
Used his lanky frame to his advantage, towering high to head clear on multiple occasions and release the pressure on the defence. Got most things right, but he will know he could have done better with a free header from Coutts’ corner.
CIAN HARRIES - 7
Was instructed to play many of the long balls that had Gasheads frustrated in the first half, but he defended well.
HARRY ANDERSON - 6
Duracell Bunny-like in his work, though he did not show the same quality on the ball that made him a standout in previous performances. Could have driven into the box more often when found in wide areas.
JOSH GRANT - 6
Begged for possession time and again, but spent much of the game watching the ball sail over his head. Tidy enough when he did see possession.
SAM FINLEY - 6
Picked out Nicholson to create Rovers’ best chance of a poor first half. Did the hard yards let on when Rovers were made to work for their win.
HARVEY SAUNDERS - 6
Did a job for his manager out of position again, and his stint at wing-back was almost rewarded when he was allowed to move forward as a genuine winger late on, but he dragged his shot wide. Was caught out by a through ball late on, but recovered well to snuff out the danger.
ANTONY EVANS - 7
His set-piece delivery was dangerous and should prove to be a valuable weapon for the Gas. Delivered the game’s decisive moment of quality, moving into the box and curling a cross on to Clarke’s head to break the deadlock. Started to flag as the hour-mark struck, and is clearly still building his fitness.
SAM NICHOLSON - 5
Was kept subdued by the visitors for the most part. Had one chance to score but his first touch left him a bit too much to do with the second. Was taken off with a knock after a challenge from Tsaroulla. AARON COLLINS - 5
Suffered in a first half where the service he received was mostly poor, but ought to have done better with the few moments of quality he did receive, including a free header he ballooned over the bar. Went off at the break. His preferred position, clearly, is off the front and should get chances to play there more frequently when Clarke and Pitman are up to speed. SUBSTITUTES
LEON CLARKE (for Collins, 46 mins) - 7 Instant impact, showing his penalty box prowess remains at 36 years old. He peeled off his man to head Evans’ cross into the corner. Offered a focal point, which was lacking in the first half. Looked a tad rusty in his decision-making when the Gas had chances to kill the game. PAUL COUTTS (for Evans, 66 mins) - 6 Steadied the ship and delivered a threatening corner which Taylor should have converted.
NICK ANDERTON (for Nicholson, 72 mins) - 6
Facilitated a change in shape. Some important clearances.
NOT USED: Jed Ward, Sion Spence, Alex Rodman, Brett Pitman.
CRAWLEY TOWN: Glenn Morris, Archie Davies, George Francomb, Tony Craig, Nick Tsaroulla, Jack Powell, Jake Hessenthaler, Jack Payne, Tyler Frost (Kwesi Appiah, 67 mins), Sam Ashford (Battle, 85 mins), Tom Nichols (Ashley Nadesan, 68 mins).
NOT USED: Owen Gallacher, Rafiq Khaleel, Amrit Bansel-McNulty, Blondy Nna Noukeu.