Bristol Rovers 2-0 Sutton United: player ratings, heroes and villains as Aaron Collins runs show

Bristol Rovers got back to winning ways as they brought Sutton’s 12-game unbeaten run to an end with a 2-0 win at the Memorial Stadium in League Two.

Harry Anderson scored inside the two minutes to give the Gas the lead before Aaron Collins scored a second in the early stages of the second-half after Paul Coutts had missed the chance from the spot in first-half stoppage time.

Joey Barton’s side move up to 11th and are just seven points off the play-offs with two games in hand over seventh-placed Newport.

Tale of the match

Bristol Rovers delivered the perfect start for their home fans as they scored with their first attempt on goal. The attackers pounced on a defensive mistake and eventually, Elliot Anderson laid a pass to namesake Harry to strike low underneath Dean Bouzanis.

Sutton had responded well from going behind and were finding their way into the box from the flanks and their top scorer David Aijboye.

After dealing with some pressure from the away side, Rovers went close to claiming a second goal with assist maker Anderson twice having an attempt. His first was a low shot that was sent just past the post after trying to place it on the edge of the box. The Newcastle United loanee then skillfully got his way past the visitor’s defence to put his shot just wide from a tight angle.

Another key chance went begging for the hosts as Collins shot straight into Bouzanis from eight yards out after the keeper had initially dived from Harry Anderson’s blocked shot.

The four attackers were in a confident mood and were creating the chances but were just missing that clinical edge to put to bed their opponent. They did put the ball back in the net with Collins’ getting a touch to Nicholson’s outside of the foot shot but the linesman made a late decision to rule the goal for an offside.

Moving into stoppage time, Sutton finally tested James Belshaw with Omar Bugiel winning possession and driving the keeper down low from 25-yards out.

Rovers were given a chance from 12-yards to add to their lead as Cobi Rowe fouled Collins but Paul Coutts’ penalty was saved by Bouzanis. In the last action of the half, Enzo Boldewijn’s shot deflected just wide to bring to an end a pulsating first period.

Following the theme of the first half, the opening minute of the second was frantic with Sutton almost getting a penalty and then Rovers getting a second goal. A ball was launched downfield by Sam Finley and Collins on the far side of the pitch looped the ball home after Bouzanis came off his line.

The home side remained untroubled throughout the second period and had half opportunities to further increase their lead with Anderson and Nicholson going close.

In the last action of the match, Sutton almost took away the clean sheet but defender Ben Goodliffe hooked his attempt the opposite side of the post and instead Rovers were able to claim a comprehensive win.

The heroes

Elliot Anderson: Everything about Rovers in the first half started or finished with Elliot Anderson. The Newcastle United loanee was firmly putting his stamp down on the game.

Given the absence of Antony Evans, there needed to be someone in that role to take the team forward and he was doing that. He made a quick impact by setting up Harry for the first goal.

He had a few good opportunities to open his account in Rovers colours but had no luck but a goal shouldn’t be too far off given the qualities he’s shown.

Aaron Collins: It was refreshing to see Collins back on the score sheet after a few games without a goal. As a lone striker he endured some difficulty getting in shooting positions as he was a pressing forward. The Gas needed that goal to put daylight between themselves and Sutton.

Credit to Collins, he showed the determination needed to net his seventh goal in his last 11 games.

Rovers defence: A second consecutive clean sheet will do this defence the world of good in what looks like a settled back line right now.

They weren’t forced into too much work but when faced with any difficulty they dealt with the challenge appropriately

The villains

Dean Bouzanis: Penny for the thoughts of the Sutton goalkeeper who rushed out and ultimately conceded Rovers’ second. By coming out and leaving his line put his defence in a tricky position and from that attack, Collins shouldn’t be scoring, especially from that position.

Paul Coutts: Unfortunately the skipper missed a good opportunity to put the Gas two goals to the good. Collins had already scored from the spot against Sutton this season so it’s interesting that he didn’t take it. The penalty wasn’t the greatest of pens and all Bouzanis had to do was dive down low.  Not massively a villain though on a full reflection of the game given it didn’t come back to bite them.

Coby Rowe: It wasn’t the greatest of games for the defender who was given a torrid evening by Collins who put him under a tremendous amount of pressure. Rowe was penalised for a foul in the box on Collins in the first-half but that wasn’t punished. He was though on the receiving end of a yellow card after a coming together with Harry Anderson. His game was brought to an end just after the hour mark with Will Randall sent on in his place.

Player ratings

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 6; Luca Hoole 7, James Connolly 6, Connor Taylor 7, Nick Anderton 7; Sam Finley 8, Paul Coutts 6 (Glenn Whelan, 69;7); Sam Nicholson 7, (Leon Clarke, 82;6), Elliot Anderson 8, Harry Anderson 7 (Luke Thomas, 76;6), Aaron Collins 9..

Sutton United (4-4-2): Dean Bouzanis 6; Joseph Kizzi 6, Ben Goodliffe 6, Coby Rowe 6 (Will Randall, 67;6) Ben Wyatt 5, Enzo Boldewijn 6, Kenny Davis 7 (Harry Beautyman, 60;6), Alistair Smith 6, David Aijboye 6; Donovan Wilson 6 (Ricky Goboa, 79;6), Omar Bugiel 6.

Man of the Match

Aaron Collins: Unfortunate not to have two goals to his name and maybe could have had a hat-trick had he put himself forward for the missed penalty, the award has to go to Collins. The return of Leon Clarke could put pressure on him with another striker back available but he’s up to the challenge of holding down his place as the starting forward.

​​What’s next?

The Gas are on their travels this weekend as they travel to Hertfordshire to face Stevenage, managed by former manager Paul Tisdale.

Sutton are also on the road and they make the long trip up to the North East to face Hartlepool United.