‘Best player on the pitch’ - Bristol Rovers player ratings v Ipswich as Gas stop the rot

Bristol Rovers stopped the rot of five consecutive defeats as they held promotion-chasing Ipswich Town to a goalless draw at the Memorial Stadium.

Both sides tried to break the deadlock and Ipswich shaded it in terms of clear goal scoring opportunities but the Gas for a spell in the second-half could have taken all three points.

The Tractor Boys nearly opened the scoring when Cameron Humphreys was unmarked on the edge of the box but Ellery Balcombe saved his shot and Cameron Burgess' follow-up. Rovers had their own opportunity when Jarell Quansah headed over from Antony Evans' corner-kick.

In the second-half, Rovers carved more opportunities in a solid 15-minute spell and Aaron Collind forced into a save from a half-volley. The hosts had a claim for a goal as Christian Walton fumbled Evans' cross and Sinclair looped it on to the post and on to the goal line, but the officials did not think it fully went over.

Rovers had to deal with several chances from Ipswich, but Jarell Quansah on several occasions made a well-timed block, whilst Ballcombe denied efforts from Broadhead and Davis.

Joey Barton's side remain in 14th, but have ended their losing run of five games across all competitions and can now build on their performance in their next match against Burton Albion.

Player ratings

Ellery Balcombe - 7

Balcome started for the fourth game in a row and made several good saves when called upon.

James Gibbons - 7

One of Gibbons’ best displays in a Gas shirt. Rovers had most of their joy down the right-flank and Gibbons was wise on when to make a run forward.

Jarell Quansah - 8

Quansah's a real neat defender and if he makes an error, he'll quckly rectify it. He was assured when he had the ball against one of the possession-based teams. He was well-timed in all of his blocks and picked himself from conceding a penalty against MK Dons.

James Connolly - 7

A nervy start but once he grew in to the game he was solid along with his centre-back partner Quansah.

Lewis Gordon - 7

Gordon improved tonight on an element of his game and that was improving in defence when being taken on.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed off, 75) - 7

On his first start for Rovers, Bogarde built on a good performance with a decent performance.

Grant Ward - 7

Ward was one of two midfielders just in front of the defence and he did well against an expensively-assembled Ipswich team.

Harry Anderson (subbed off, 75) - 7

A determined display from Anderson, who gave his absolute everything in his performance. Anderson tracked back well to defend and bombed down his flank a few times.

Antony Evans - 8

Evans showed a glimpse of himself from last season with a dogged display tonight. He had a good delivery from corner-kicks and played in Collins several times. The joint-best player on the pitch.

Scott Sinclair - 7

A few half-moments for Sinclair, who tracked back to make a much-needed tackle. He had a few chances to either score or set up a teammate but it just didn’t come off.

Aaron Collins - 7

In the first-half, Collins struggled a bit being the only forward with Loft suspended and Coburn on the bench. He had a few moments and forced Walton in to a save.

Josh Coburn (subbed on for Bogarde, 75) - 6

Brought on to try and offer Rovers something else in attack and get Collins involved, but Ipswich had their attacking spell from his substitution onwards

Luca Hoole (subbed on for Anderson, 75) - 6

His substitution highlighted that Rovers perhaps were going defensive and Ipswich used his flank to attack.