Bristol Rovers player ratings: ‘Clinical’ & ‘faultless’ 9/10s shine in Forest Green win

A double from John Marquis and a Scott Sinclair overcame an early Charlie Savage strike as Bristol Rovers win 3-1 against Forest Green.

The home side had the opener with just over ten on the clock after a long ball over the Rovers defence was played across to Charlie Savage, who was unmarked on the edge of the box. His first time effort beat James Belshaw, despite the shot-stopper getting a hand to it.

It was even before the 20 minute mark after Josh Coburn stole the ball from a defender, the Middlesborough loanee found John Marquis running in behind, who swept past the home defence and fired low past Thomas.

The Gas then had the lead mid way through the first half. The home side lost the ball in their own half oncemore and Lamare Bogarde found Scott Sinclair with space at the back post. The ex-Celtic man’s first effort was saved by Thomas, however the ball fell back to him and he slotted the ball home.

Joey Barton’s side could and possibly should have extended their lead in the first half, with Josh Coburn’s header skimming past the post and Marquis and Aaron Collins trying from outside the area - however they went into the break a goal to the good.

Barton’s side finally got their third, and Marquis had his second before the hour mark after he met a Sinclair corner. with a precise header beating a crowded goal-line to extend his side’s lead.

With the game seemingly wrapped up, a ball into the Rovers prompted Luke McCormick to lunge in inside the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Corey O’Keeffe had the opportunity to halve the defecit. Luckily for the Gas, Belshaw guessed correctly and saved well down to his right, securing all three points for the Gas and moving them up to 13th in the table - 12 points clear of the drop zone.

James Belshaw - 8

Got a hand to Savage’s first half strike, however there was not much more that the keeper could do, other than that Belshaw was hardly tested up until the penalty which he saved well.

Lewis Gordon - 8

Defended well and offered an option going forward for his side.

Lewis Gibson - 8

It’s no coincidence that Rovers’ form has taken an upturn since Gibson’s return from injury

Jarell Quansah - 8

The Liverpool loanee was dominant aerially throughout and made it another impressive performande since coming in in January.

Luca Hoole - 7

Could have done more to stop Jordan Garrick turning and teeing up Savage for Forest Green’s opener, however responsed well afterwards against a below-par Forest Green attack.

Grant Ward - 8

The best performance of Ward’s Rovers career yet. The midfielder filled in the role of Sam Finley perfectly, driving the ball forward and making things happen, while also suring up the defence.

Lamare Bogarde - 9 (Glenn Whelan 89’)

Was the calmest man in the New Lawn rolling the ball to Sinclair for his side’s second and continued his rich vain of form as of late. The 19-year-old looked a player twice his age in the middle of the park, forcing mistakes and winning the ball back repeatedly with a series of well excecuted sliding challenges. Faultless.

Aaron Collins - 7 (Luke McCormick 79’)

A quiet game by the standards of the stand-in Rovers captain against his former club. Was part of a great team performance and looked to make things happen whenever he had the ball.

Scott Sinclair - 8

Sinclair was involved heavily throughout, and gave Jamie Robson a torrid time down the right flank, taking his goal well at the second time of asking.

John Marquis - 9 (Ryan Loft 79’)

Showed the upmost composure sliding the ball past Udoka Godwin-Malife and firing home his side’s equaliser, then added his second and the Gas’ third with an experienced header at the front post. Clinical.

Josh Coburn - 8 (Anthony Evans 63’)

Up there with one of the Middlesbrough loanee’s best game in a blue and white shirt. He pressed relentlessly, winning the ball back twice to set up his side’s first two goals. Chased every ball and was substituted after the hour mark after a monumental shift.

Substitutes:

Anthony Evans - 7

Sured up the midfield and offered something going forward.

Ryan Loft - 7

Did everything his manager would have asked of him in pressing a shaky home defence and winning the ball well when his side went long.

Luke McCormick - 5 (James Connolly 89’)

Was bailed out by Belshaw saving from the spot after a needless challenge inside the area and was bizzarely substituted off nine minutes after coming on.

James Connolly - N/A

Glenn Whelan - N/A