Bristol Rovers 0-0 Forest Green Rovers: Player ratings & man of the match as Gas keep in automatic picture

Bristol Rovers watched on as Forest Green Rovers claimed promotion to League One after a goalless draw with the Gas maintaining their own automatic aspirations.

The draw extended their unbeaten run at the Memorial Stadium to 12 games and kept them unbeaten in five, with momentum key at this stage of the season.

The gap on third place remained at two points but there’s now a new team that holds the position. Walsall defeated Port Vale 1-0 which allowed Northampton to overtake them with their 4-2 win over Leyton Orient.

Tale of the match

Rovers started the game on the front foot and tested Luke McGee early with Antony Evans forcing him to dive down to his post.

Forest Green gave a big scare to the Rovers defence though as Regan Hendry’s shot from six-yards from Jack Aitchison’s cut-back was blocked by the feet of James Belshaw. A rebounded effort then deflected off of Jamille Matt, much to their annoyance.

Another warning sign then came as Nicky Cadden’s corner-kick was well delivered to the head of Jordan Moore-Taylor but from a clear position he headed past the post.

They tested further as in the centre of the box was Ebou Adams but Belshaw was alert to his low-placed shot that was aimed for the corner of the goal, with Rovers doing enough to stop the rebound.

Despite finishing the half in the final third of Forest Green, Rovers could not muster up an opportunity and in a rare occurrence, were the team second best going into the break.

There was more about the hosts when they emerged from the dressing room, creating an opportunity through Elliot Anderson, who created the space but could not test McGee.

As the home side tried to create an attacking opportunity they left themselves open at the back but Belshaw bailed them out. Udoka Godwin-Malife picked out Matt for a one-on-one but the Rovers goalkeeper made a fine block.

In a game that was going from end-to-end, Elliot Anderson twice shot at McGee but the FGR goalkeeper was twice alert to it. Rovers then hit the side netting with Aaron Collins cutting in from the flank but shooting the other side of the goal.

Belshaw continued his heroics as he bailed out Antony Evans’ loose back pass, by saving Nicky Cadden’s curled shot and Ben Stevenson’s rebounded effort.

The mercurial Luke Thomas came on for Rovers and almost hit the back of the net as his low shot took a deflection that took the shot just away from the back of the net.

The passionate home crowd had their hearts in their mouths though when Matt’s header flew past the post.

In stoppage time, McGee made a reactive save to Thomas’ shot on the edge of the box with Rovers the team pushing the hardest to break the deadlock. Gavin Ward though brought an end to what was an entertaining goalless draw and thus the Nailsworth side secured their promotion.

Heroes

James Connolly: A composed performance from the youthful centre-back that looked good on the ball and dealt with a prolific striker in Jamille Matt.

James Belshaw: A few good saves to deny the Forest Green attack in the first-half and then a superb save against Matt in the second. Timed his runs off his line well, not getting caught out.

Villains

Ebou Adams: Booked for simulation when he was in for a goal scoring opportunity. Had it deceived the referee then Connor Taylor could have been sent off. He was in the ear of Gavin Ward a few times too, trying to sway decisions in his favour.

Gavin Ward: The home faithful weren’t too pleased with the performance of the referee as they made their opinion  known. Before today, he hadn’t officiated a League Two match and perhaps brought a different approach to the game.

Luke McGee: Time wasted a few times during the second-half and claimed he was injured to pause Rovers momentum.

Player ratings

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 8, Luca Hoole 7, Connor Taylor 7, James Connolly 7, Nick Anderton 6 (Luke Thomas, 66); Sam Finley 6 (Ryan Loft, 6;66), Paul Coutts 7; Elliot Anderson 6, Antony Evans 6, (Harvey Saunders, n/a88), Harry Anderson 6; Aaron Collins 6.

Forest Green Rovers (3-4-1-2): Luke McGee 7; Udoka Godwin-Mailfe 6, Jordan Moore-Taylor 6, Baily Cargill 7, Kane Wilson, Nicky Cadden 7, (Dominic Bernard, 82), Regan Hendry 7, Ben Stevenson 7, Ebou Adams 7, Jamile Matt 7, (Josh March, 82), Jack Aitchison 6 (Kasey McAteer, n/a86)

Man of the Match: James Belshaw

What’s next?

Rovers are on the road next week as they make the trip to Spotland to face lower-half-of-the-table Rochdale.

For Forest Green, they are away at the County Ground to face play-off hopefuls Swindon Town.