‘Authoritative figure, efficient performance’ - Bristol Rovers player ratings in Cambridge United win

Bristol Rovers got back to winning ways in League One as they defeated Cambridge United 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium thanks to a home league debutant.

Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn scored his first goal for the Gas on what was his first start after joining on Deadline Day. An own goal from Greg Taylor put the hosts in front but Joe Ironside scored an equaliser for the U’s from the spot after James Belshaw conceded a penalty.

The victory sees them move out of the relegation zone into 19th, moving above MK Dons, who they play away next Tuesday in a rearranged fixture.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 7

Conceded a penalty after being rash at the feet of Smith which got Cambridge back on level terms. He made amends to save at point-blank range from Ironside and from his header.

James Gibbons - 7

Pressure came down the right-hand side in the second-half. Substituted in the last quarter of the match.

Luca Hoole - 7

Played a part in the opening goal and will make a claim for it after heading the ball at goal. Moved out to right-back and put in a composed showing, making well-timed tackles.

Bobby Thomas - 7

A regular feature in Barton’s side but still getting to grips with new centre-back partners every match.

Lewis Gordon - 7

A few early moments in the first-half saw him have some joy down his side in an attacking role.

Jordan Rossiter - 8

An authorative figure in the centre of the park. There was a central midfield battle and Rovers came on top. Well-timed blocks and challenges from him too.

Sam Finley - 8

A combative performance from Finley who had a more defensive role today but did his job well.

Antony Evans - 8

Played a part in Rovers’ goal with an accurate delivery for Hoole. Lost his way in the second-half a bit.

Aaron Collins - 8

Rovers’ key man at it again. Collins is really strutting his stuff at this level. A nice assist for Coburn which makes it 11 goal contributions for the season.

Josh Coburn - 8

An early moment of promise as he went close to scoring but went through a quiet spell. Booked for simulation but picked himself up and bounced back. Scored his first Gas goal by finding himself in the right place at the right time with a clinical finish. Efficient performance after being subbed off.

Ryan Loft - 6

A busy first-half display as he tried to force his way into the game but spurned some opportunities and lost some of his duels. Had he stayed onside it could have been a gol for him. Booked for kicking the ball away.

Lewis Gibson (subbed on, 66) - 6

Made a much-needed block as Cambridge tried to peel a shot away.

Luke McCormick (subbed on, 76) - 6

Played a great ball to Ryan Loft to counter-attack but the striker couldn’t time his run.

Sylvester Jasper, (subbed on, 77) - 6

Unable to make any real impact as his substitution was at a time Cambridge grew into it.

Paul Coutts (subbed on, 86) - 6

Brought on to be a sounding presence and see the game out.

Trevor Clarke (subbed on, 86) - 6

Unable to make any influence on the match but brought on to see it out.