Bristol Rovers ratings: ‘Tenacious’ midfielder scores 9/10 in solid win vs Peterborough

Bristol Rovers returned to winning ways as they claimed a scalp over Peterborough United. Scott Sinclair scored his first league goal for the Gas against the ten-man Posh who had Ronnie Edwards in the second-half.

Some great play from Aaron Collins just outside the box ended with the Sam Finley playing a pinpoint pass through to Scott Sinclair who curled the ball into the back of the net, netting his second goal in just six games upon his return to his former club.

England Under-19 international defender Ronnie Edwards was shown a straight red card with 15 to play. He brought down Josh Coburn when the Middlesbrough loanee bared down on goal, denying a clear goal scoring opportunity.

Peterborough had opportunities in the dying embers of normal time with former Gas striker Jonson Clarke-Harris and Ricky Jade-Jones thwarted as James Belshaw earned his fourth clean sheet of the campaign.

Rovers held on despite late pressure to claim their first league victory in six matches, making it just two defeats in their last 10 matches in League One. The result improves their league position, moving up to 15th with the victory. They are ten points clear of 21st-placed MK Dons, who occupy the fourth and final relegation spot.

James Belshaw - 8

The Rovers shot stopper couldn’t have dreamt of an easier first half, not being troubled at all by a Peterborough side looking to play on the counter. Belshaw made a match winning save just before injury time, getting down low to deny Ricky Jade-Jones.

James Connolly - 7

The defender still looked as though he lacked match practice, although he was comfortable on the ball. Connolly had to contend with Jonson Clarke-Harris when the striker was brought on after an hour.

Lewis Gibson - 7

With ten to go, the centre back had two opportunities to finish off the tie when he found himself in the penalty box, yet the first was blasted at the Bergström and the second sailed over the bar. Despite his attacking frailties it was a good performance from the centre-back.

Bobby Thomas - 7

The Burnley loanee worked tirelessly, however the majority of his defending were done against an offside Peterborough attacker

Lewis Gordon - 7

Gordon gave his side a great option throughout and dealt with the tricky Kwame Poku, and then second half substitute Ricky Jade-Jones.

Jordan Rossiter - 8

The former Liverpool man showed just how vital he is to Joey Barton’s system, sitting deep and allowing Finley and Evans to push further forward when the Gas were in control. He also made a vital tackle after Finley’s misplaced pass was set to play Ricky Jade-Jones through on goal.

Sam Finley - 9

Captaining the side and making his 50th appearance, Finley was at the heart of everything his side did well in the first half and was the best player on the pitch. The tenacious midfielder often found himself on the left wing offering another option when his side were in control. It also was his accurate pass that found Sinclair inside the box that assisted the opener.

Anthony Evans - 6 (James Gibbons 90’)

The midfielder is still yet to hit the same heights as last season, and despite firing two efforts close in the first half it was another below par display however played his part in what was a great team display.

The midfielder should’ve put the game to bed just before added time when he found himself one-on-one after a counter attack, however he delayed his effort allowing a defender to come back and make the challenge.

Scott Sinclair - 8

Playing less forward just like he was in the second half of the Fleetwood game, Sinclair showed the Rovers faithful his tenaciousness in a defensive capacity, jumping off the floor twice to win the ball back from Ephron Mason-Clark.

He also showed what he could do up the other end of the pitch, latching onto a Finley pass behind the Posh defence and slotting home for his first league goal for the club.

Aaron Collins - 6

With the exception of his shot fired straight at the keeper, Collins was quiet in front of goal although his good linkup play with Finley created the opener. His great form over the past few weeks have well merited a below average display.

Josh Coburn - 7

The striker was a great example of everything a target man should do. Despite having his shirt pulled at every opportunity by a Peterborough defender, he rode two challenges before being brought down by Edwards on the edge of the box, resulting in a red card.

James Gibbons (subbed on, 90) - N/A

Gibbons was brought onto the pitch inside injury time to sure up his side’s defence.