‘Defended admirably... clinical’ - Bristol Rovers player ratings after Charlton comeback

Bristol Rovers came from behind as they beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at The Valley. The Gas beat off three pitch inspections amidst the icy conditions and were able to record their first away victory against the Addicks in 64-years.

John Marquis came off the bench just before the hour mark and netted an equaliser after Ryan Innis had given the hosts the lead. Marquis put Rovers in front with 20 minutes remaining, as they changed the complexion of the game.

The home side opened the scoring midway through the first half when Ryan Inniss’ free header on the penalty spot found the corner of the goal after a corner with Jayden Stockley diving and missing the ball, deceiving the Gas defence and James Belshaw.

Despite having the majority of the possession in the first half, it was only thanks to Belshaw that the Gas were only one down, with his goal being peppered in the first half-an-hour.

It was a vast improvement in the second half for Joey Barton’s side, and the addition of John Marquis paid dividends with the striker nicking the ball off Scott Fraser before confidently poking the ball past Maynard-Brewer just past the hour mark.

Marquis and the Gas had their second when Paul Coutts cut out a ball from the Charlton defence. The skipper’s header played through Marquis who strode forward and slid the ball into the back of the net.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 8

Made numerous saves in the first half to keep the scores level, however was guilty of watching Stockley miss his header instead of the ball for Charlton’s opener. Had less to do in a quieter second half.

Lewis Gibson - 7

Most of the home side’s attacking play came down Gibson’s side, with the Everton loanee struggling to deal with Corey Blackett-Taylor in the first half. Performed much better in the second half when moved more centrally and into a back four.

James Connolly - 6 (Luca Hoole 45’)

Should have easily cleared Inniss’ header ,however like his keeper may have thought Stockley was going to get something on it, looked to bring his side forward as they got more into the game however was substituted at the break in a change of shape.

Bobby Thomas - 7

Made a vital block in the first half to deny Jesuran Rak-Sakyi, and defended admirably in the second half.

Lewis Gordon - 7

One on one defending was tested in the second half by Blackett-Taylor,  and the 21-year-old performed well alongside giving a great attacking option.

Scott Sinclair - 6 (subbed off for Glenn Whelan 81’)

Seemed off it throughout the first half, improved slightly in the second half but a game to forget for Sinclair.

Paul Coutts - 8

Desperately tried to get his side up the pitch in the first 30 minutes where they were comfortably second best. Only he will know if his interception stroke header was deliberate, however it was a perfect pass nonetheless.

Luke McCormick - 6 (subbed off for John Marquis 55’)

Struggled to get into the game, and failed to build on his good performance against Mk Dons on Tuesday.

Anthony Evans - 7

Lost Inniss in the penalty area, resulting in the Charlton centre back heading home early on, although looked most likely to get a goal for his side in the first half, testing Ashley Maynard-Brewer and firing narrowly over from outside the box. Was a good option throughout, taking on players throughout and looking to be more like the player we all saw last season.

Josh Coburn - 7

An unusually quiet first half for the Middlesbrough loanee, found Marquis brilliantly in the second half and should’ve had an assist. Helped get his side up the pitch throughout, winning everything in the air and buying clever fouls late on.

Aaron Collins - 6 (subbed off for James Gibbons 90’)

Couldn’t get a kick in the first-half like his strike partner, was moved into the ‘10’ role with the addition of John Marquis in the second half, however the EFL’s most creative player so far this season failed to offer much.

John Marquis - 8

Clinical. Nicked the ball of a Charlton defender and confidently stroked the ball into the back of the net, just five minutes after entering the pitch, evening the score. Minutes later he should’ve got his second when he was found at the back post by Coburn, however somehow missed the net.

Then did get his second after being played through by Coutts, and calmly slotted under Maynard-Brewer in front of the travelling Gasheads, putting his side ahead.

James Gibbons - N/A