Bristol Rovers player ratings as Aaron Collins is dependable as ever in Port Vale win

Bristol Rovers marked Joey Barton’s 100th game in charge in the perfect way - with a late 1-0 win over Port Vale. The Gas scored through Aaron Collins in the 87th minute as they bided their patience in a close-fought encounter.

The ever-dependable Collins scored his 11th goal of the campaign, all through his own work. He picked the ball up on the edge of the box, drove forward before finding the bottom corner with a delicate finish from just outside the box, sending the home fan into raptures.

Rovers started slowly and the away side almost took advantage of that early on after Jordan Rossiter lost the ball, with only the outstretched hand of James Belshaw denying the former Rovers man Ellis Harrison.

The Gas had lots of possession in the first half, however following their recent trend  struggled to make inroads into a resolute and well organised Vale defence. Josh Coburn’s strike from an acute angle was the home side’s best chance mid-way through a dull first half.

Coburn had another chance to grab the opener shortly after the break, however his lofted effort was saved well by Jack Stevens.

It was the Middlesbrough loanee who went close again, after a slip from a Vale defender Coburn was bearing down on goal, he played the ball across unselfishly however Scott Sinclair’s effort hit the side netting.

The ever-dependable Collins scored his 11th goal of the campaign, all through his own work. He picked the ball up on the edge of the box, drove forward before finding the bottom corner with a delicate finish from just outside the box, sending the home fan into raptures.

Player ratings

James Belshaw: 8

Made a brilliant diving save to deny Harrison early on and kept the game goalless, getting a strong hand to Tom Conlon’s goalbound strike.

Bobby Thomas: 7

Looked composed on the ball throughout and was dominant in the air

James Connolly: 6

Misjudged the bounce of the ball early on, leading to a Vale chance however was bailed out by Thomas, in what was an otherwise decent display.

Lewis Gibson: 7

Like Thomas, dealt well with the Port Vale aerial bombardment and used his pace well when Vale broke on the counter.

Lewis Gordon: 7

Found himself bearing down on goal mid-way through the first half, however his touch was poor and easily collected by Stevens. Was good in his defensive duties however needed to be more composed in the final-third.

Jordan Rossiter: 7

Sat and battled well in the Rovers midfield, however could’ve provided a more attacking option to his side in the space usually filled by Sam Finley.

Paul Coutts: 6

Back in the side for the first time since October, Coutts marshalled the defence well however looked like a man who hadn’t played in over a month with some of his passes.

Scott Sinclair: 6 (James Gibbons 90’)

He perhaps should have better with his effort 15 from time when he was found by Coburn, the winger’s effort was into the side netting amid an onrushing Stevens.

Anthony Evans: 6 (John Marquis 64’)

His set-piece delivery wasn’t at its best today, he showed glimpses however failed to really get involved in the game.

Aaron Collins: 8 (Glenn Whelan 90’)

Was on the left-wing for the majority of the first half and struggled to get involved. With the addition of Marquis in the second half, Collins was moved slightly deeper and got his scoring touch back with a brilliant low strike, beating Stevens from outside the area.

Josh Coburn: 7

It was another week of the Middlesbrough loanee having his shirt pulled at every opportunity by a defender, yet looked the most likely to give his side the breakthrough having two efforts well saved by Stevens.

John Marquis: 6

Making his return after a lengthy spell out injured, Marquis provided another aerial presence, giving Collins more freedom to create.

James Gibbons: 6

Brought on to sure up the defence against his old side, and did his job.

Glenn Whelan: N/A