Bristol Rovers 1-0 Salford City: Player ratings & man of the match as Elliot Anderson shines again

Bristol Rovers strengthened their grip on a League Two play-off place as they defeated promotion rivals Salford City 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium.

A 76th minute winner from Elliot Anderson was enough to give the Gas the victory over Salford in the first part of an Easter double-header that is pivotal to their season.

Joey Barton’s side dominated a majority of the match and were well deserving of their win which extended their unbeaten run at home.

Rovers move up a place to fifth from the win and now have a four-point gap over Newport County who are outside the playoffs, they are also five points off an automatic spot.

Tale of the match

Despite standing off Rovers for the opening five minutes, Salford carved the game’s first real chance with James Belshaw forced into work. A delicious cross from Brandon Thomas-Asante was headed down by Matt Smith and the goalkeeper had to palm it away.

Thomas-Asante then had his own chance to score as a quick-witted pass from Ryan Watson put it in his path but he sliced a volley over the bar.

Ever the entertainer at the Memorial Stadium, Elliot Anderson almost produced another fine moment. The Newcastle United loanee’s hopeful chip took a last minute divot and went just the other side of the post.

A similar effort then came from Harry Anderson as his cross at the last minute acted as a shot with Tom King having to get a touch to it.

Their best opportunity then came when Aaron Collins was able to control the ball in the box but King was aware of his low-placed shot, which acted as the last meaningful attempt of the first period.

Rovers emerged from the dressing room with all the attacking intent but could only create half opportunities from their spell of possession in the opening quarter of the second period.

Substitute Antony Evans, who had been demanded for an entrance after multiple renditions of chant, then came on and almost opened the scoring but for the woodwork. He dazzled past the defenders and his shot rose just at the last moment.

The visitors’ attack didn’t offer much threat for a long period but Smith used his aerial presence to head at Belshaw as a warning.

For all their hard work, Rovers were rewarded for their efforts as they opened the scoring. Substitute Luke Thomas threaded the ball through to Elliot Anderson on his right-hand side and he caught King out at his post.

Salford were unable to mount any real pressure on Belshaw’s goal and Rovers easily saw out the game for another home victory.

Heroes

Gas fans: There was a rendition of Goodnight Irene that was sung all around the stadium in the first half and it’s a moment that makes the hairs on your neck stand up.Usually it’s the Thatchers Terrace that makes all the atmosphere but the other stands made an effort today. The sound then got louder as another rendition came towards the full-time whistle to get them over the line.

Antony Evans: Made an influence when entering the pitch. Testing free-kick, hit the crossbar, got yellow carded and also played some key passes. Covered every blade of grass.

Elliot Anderson: Once again the player to deliver those big game moments. Unreal talent

Villains

Leon Clarke: A harsh inclusion but the striker was named in the starting line up and dropped out just before kick-off. It was a rare opportunity to start but unfortunately wasn’t able to take it.

Matt Smith: He may have only been at Bristol City for a couple of months, but Rovers fans didn’t want to give a happy welcome back to the West County for the experienced striker. Had Salford’s best chances but nothing too threatening.

Tom King: His kicking wasn’t the greatest and at times was put under pressure by Rovers attackers. Easily beaten for Anderson’s match winning goal.

Player ratings

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 7; Luca Hoole 7, James Connolly 7, Connor Taylor 7, Josh Grant 7 (Luke Thomas, 7;69), Paul Coutts 7, Sam Finley 7, (Glenn Whelan, n/a;78), Sam Nicholson 6 (Antony Evans 7, 59), Elliot Anderson 8, Harry Anderson 7, Aaron Collins 6.

Salford City (4-3-3): Tom King 6, Jason Lowe 6, Theo Vassell 6, Corrie Ndaba 6, Ibou Touray 6, Stevie Kelly 6 (Matty Lund, 5;68), Donald Love 7 (Ian Henderson, n/a;80), Ryan Watson 6; Brandon Thomas-Asante 6; Matt Smith 7, Luke Bolton 6 (Liam Shephard, 62)

Man of the Match

Elliot Anderson. He had one moment and he took it. A match-winner that is needed for moments like this.

What’s next?

It’s another big game for Rovers, who are away at promotion rivals Port Vale on Monday. Salford are at home on Monday against Barrow.