Bristol Rovers 4-2 Rochdale: player ratings, MOTM, heroes & villains as Collins finds form

Bristol Rovers ended their four match winless run in League Two in a dramatic 4-2 win over Rochdale at the Memorial Stadium.

Antony Evans and Aaron Collins put the Gas two goals to the good but a six-minute brace from Jake Beesley undid their hard work. Fortunately Harry Anderson restored the lead before Collins added a late second to ensure the win.

The win lifts them up two places to 15th and above Rochdale who drop down to 18th following their defeat.

Tale of the match

Rochdale started on the front foot with two half-chances. Firstly Alex Newby’s shot almost deflected into the top corner whilst Abraham Odoh poked a shot just past the post.

In response to that, Rovers looked to trouble from a set piece as Evans floated in a cross that Luca Hoole headed just wide.

After finding their feet, the home side took the lead. Aaron Collins was fouled on the edge of the box by Jim McNulty which provided a chance from a good area. Evans stood over the free-kick and lifted it over the wall and beat Jay Lynch.

There were then two chances for Trevor Clarke who was introduced into the team in the absence of Cian Harries. He was played in by Collins and his pass across goal was cleared off the line by Jeriel Dorsett. His second opportunity was then saved by Lynch with his half-volley destined for goal.

The Dale failed to muster a response to falling behind and instead there were a few other shot from Nick Anderton and Collins which could have tested.

There had to be a response from the away side and they finally forced James Belshaw into a save. Jake Beesley turned and shot at the keeper who tipped his shot over the bar. A corner-kick then came in and Belshaw had to be alert again, this time to McNulty’s header which was clawed away.

Beesley’s double warning eventually became a prophecy as he got on to the score sheet. Corey O’Keeffe went through the Rovers defence unchallenged and found Beesley to back heel a shot home.

Six minutes later he was given a chance to bring his side back on level terms. He made amends for his missed penalty against Exeter by drilling his spot kick straight down the middle.

After a frustrating period in which Rovers let slip of their two-goal lead, where fans became restless, there needed to be a response.

Anderson would provide it for the home side as he would glide past the defence and see his shot trickle in goal.

Rovers would then grab that all important insurance goal as just before the end of regulation time, a high press from Luke Thomas forced the Dale defence into a mistake. Thomas squared it through to Collins to tuck it past Lynch to clinch the win.

The heroes

Aaron Collins: Won the free-kick for Evans’ opener and two goals. It’s an absolute delight to see him on the scoresheet for the second time this week.

A few goals came in the Cup and then he bided his time for a first league goal, this could be evidence that perhaps there isn’t a need for a striker in January.

He’s a player that you can build your attack around when he’s firing on all cylinders, one of the positives from what was a frustrating afternoon.

Jake Beesley: Rochdale’s two-goal hero has to be included. He didn’t do much in the first-half but in the second he surely made his mark. The front-man sniffed at a few chances before his first goal so Rovers knew they should have been keeping close tabs on him.

He had good movement for his first goal, getting in the right place to pull off an audacious flick, whilst there was good composure for his penalty.

The villains

Pablo Martinez: This was the 21-year-old’s first league appearance of the season, so a good chance for him to show Barton what he’s worth.

Unfortunately though after replacing Connor Taylor at half-time, he was at fault for conceding the penalty which gave Rochdale their route back into the game.

His error won’t be remembered as much as Rovers retook the lead but it’s something for him to learn from.

Jay Lynch: When you concede four goals, there’s no hiding place. Lynch wasn’t a goalkeeper that made any notable saves for the away side and had to pick the ball out of the net a few times.

Player ratings

Bristol Rovers (3-4-1-2): James Belshaw 6, Aaron Collins 8, Sam Nicholson 6 (Sion Spence, 85;6), Paul Coutts 6, Nick Anderton 6 Connor Taylor 6 (Pablo Martinez 46;6), Harry Anderson 7, Trevor Clarke 7 (Luke Thomas, 85;6), Antony Evans 7, Glenn Whelan 6, Luca Hoole 6.

Rochdale (3-4-3): Jay Lynch 5, Corey O’Keeffe 6, Aidy White 6 (Josh Andrews, 56), Jim McNulty 5, Eoghan O’Connell (C), 6, Aaron Morley 6 (Stephen Dooley,56), Jake Beesley 7, Alex Newby 6, Jeriel Dorsett 6, Abraham Odoh 6 Liam Kelly 6 (George Broadbent, 87).r

Man of the Match

Aaron Collins. He was awarded the award by the supporters and fans in the ground, so there’s no disputing that. Two goals and a part to play in Rovers opener. Great display.

What’s next?

Before Rovers wrap up for the festive period, they’re on the road at Glenford Park to face Scunthorpe United.

For Rochdale meanwhile, they’re at home against Newport County next week.