Bristol Rovers player ratings: Three score 8/10 in emphatic Cheltenham Town victory

Bristol Rovers claimed their first win in the EFL Trophy group stage after comfortably beating Cheltenham Town 4-1 at the Memorial Stadium.

James Gibbons opened the scoring for the hosts when his excellent header was met by a Jevani Brown cross inside 10 minutes.

Antony Evans then doubled Rovers’ lead with a powerful strike past goal keeper Max Harris just before the half-hour mark.

Aaron Collins continued his fine scoring from against Cheltenham as he hammered his shot into the back of the net, to take the hosts into interval three goals to nil.

The visitors pulled one back early in the second half as Gibbons fired his clearance into the back of his own net.

Substitute Scott Sinclair’s inswinging freekick met a Robins head extending the hosts lead midway through the second-half, securing the victory for the Gas.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 7

Didn’t have an awful lot to do. Couldn’t have done anything about the own goal. Did everything right and always tried to get Rovers playing forward as quickly as possible.

James Gibbons - 7

Found himself in a great position in the box for his goal, with an emphatic header. Unfortunately fired his clearance into the back of his net early in the second half for an own goal.

Connor Taylor - 7

His arial presence shone through. A misplaced pass mid-way through the first-half almost led to a goal for the visitors. However looked calm and composed throughout.

Josh Grant - 7

An assured defensive performance. When with the ball, he allowed Vale to come wide, making it a back three.

Harvey Vale - 7

Slotted in nicely at left back when Rovers were out of possession. Looked positive in left midfield when his side were in possession. Came over to the right-hand side towards the end of the match.

Anthony Evans - 8

Found some great pockets of space, helped dominate the game alongside his midfield teammates. Scored a thunderbolt past Harris.

Lamare Bogarde - 8

A dominant and soliddisplay in the middle of the park, making plenty of interceptions. Finished the match at right-back.

Luke McCormick - 7

A good display from the midfielder who floated across the pitch picking up various great positions. Played a nice ball for Collins’ goal.

Jevani Brown - 7

Picked out Gibbons with a smart cross for the opener. Looked dangerous on the right-hand side for the hosts.

Aaron Collins - 8

Was brilliant all evening. Created various opportunities for himself and others. Took his chance well before half-time.

John Marquis - 7

Great movement causing Cheltenham’s defence problems all evening. Was unfortunate to not get onto the scoresheet and denied by the offside flag early in the first-half.

Luke Thomas (subbed on, 64) - 7

Looked lively when he came on, his speed caused problems.

Scott Sinclair (subbed on, 64) - 7

His freekick led to own goal only moments after coming on.

Ryan Woods (subbed on, 64) - 6

Played some nice passes and helped dictate the play.

Lewis Gordon - (subbed on, 73) - 6

Looked postive and always looked to drive forward with the ball.

Sam Finley - (subbed on, 73) - 6

Helped his side shut up shop and dominate possession in the final moments of the match.