Bristol Rovers player ratings as Elliot Anderson moves Gas up into the play-off spots with win over Colchester

Bristol Rovers moved into the play-off spots for the first time this season after narrowly defeating Colchester United 1-0 at the Memorial Stadium.

On-loan Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson scored the only goal in a closely contested match with the Gas scoring at the right moment.

Joey Barton’s side displaced Sutton United who suffered a loss to promotion rivals Swindon Town, whilst they are still only two points off of the automatics.

Tale of the game

For the third game in a row, Joey Barton named an unchanged side as his side sought a third consecutive victory.

Elliot Anderson carved the first meaningful chance as after being found by Sam Finley, he cut inside but Myles Kenlock made an important block. Anderson then earned a promising free-kick after being clipped by Cole Skuse. Set-piece specialist Antony Evans from a central position forced Shamal George to save.

Colchester’s first opportunity came from Noah Chilvers, who after receiving the ball on the edge of the box, aimed for the low right-hand post but James Belshaw was alert to it.

Anderson was the bright spark in what was a subdued first period with Colchester’s plan of frustrating Rovers working. Another mazy run saw him pull the ball back as he tried to find a teammate across goal but George made a good block.

Neither side could break down one another for the remainder of the first half with Rovers shading it in terms of meaningful chances.

In the opening few moments of the second, Paul Coutts had to clear Tom Eastman’s goal bound header from off the line with the U’s troubling from set pieces.

Their reward for surviving that scare was taking the lead and it was the man of the moment, Elliot Anderson who scored his second goal in as many games. Colchester failed to clear the ball and the ball cannoned into the path of Anderson, who swished the ball into the corner.

They responded well to going behind with Chilvers causing a number of problems with his drag backs whilst they continued to threaten from corners with Brendan Wiredu heading over.

Anderson almost replicated his goal from the weekend after dancing past three defenders including a nutmeg but George’s rush to his feet took him off course and he was later substituted, earning a standing ovation.

No further goal mouth action was to come and instead Rovers were able to see out the match unchallenged with the referee’s whistle a welcome relief.

Heroes

Elliot Anderson: Everyone has been a winner so far with this loan with Newcastle United. Anderson is getting vital experience, Rovers have a player above the level they’re at and Newcastle have a player who will return with great confidence.

Anderson’s goal was another strike of high quality, hitting the shot at the first time the ball rolled to him. It’s that quick thinking decision making that is needed for game winning moments like his.

Paul Coutts: Joey Barton was waxing lyrical about Coutts beforehand but his performance this evening deserved some plaudits. When Rovers came under some difficulty, Coutts was there to intercept the attackers, as well as making some telling blocks. The captain led by example once more and the way that he asserts himself is infectious to others.

Villains

Owura Edwards: The Bristol City loanee was always going to be the villain given who his parent club was. The home fans let them know their thoughts by jeering his early touches of the ball to try and off put the Robin.

And there wasn’t much forgiveness when Edwards went down for a self claimed foul either. There was a moment where Paul Coutts went in for a tackle, winning the ball which left him on the deck, but as soon as his side broke, he was back on his feet.

Edwards then got himself into the notebook for a foul on James Connolly with the youngster quickly removing himself from the situation.

Noah Chilvers: The 21-year-old was the player that caused the Gas most problems. Chilvers on his flank ran at the full-backs and had some of his own opportunities. You can see why he was their Player of the Year last year and why he’s a contender once again.

Player ratings

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 6, Luca Hoole 6, James Connolly 7, Connor Taylor 7, Nick Anderton 7, Paul Coutts 7, Sam Finley 7 (Glenn Whelan, 79), Elliot Anderson 8 (Ryan Loft, 83), Antony Evans 7, Harry Anderson 6 (Harvey Saunders, 68), Aaron Collins 6.

Colchester United (4-2-3-1): Shamal George 6, Luke Chambers 6, Brendan Wiredu 6, Luke Hannant 6 (John Akinde, 75), Cole Skuse 6 (Corie Andrews, 85), Freddie Sears 6, Owura Edwards 6, Noah Chilvers 7, Myles Kenlock 7, Tom Eastman 7, Cameron Coxe 7.

Man of the Match

Elliot Anderson. What a coup. Game by game he continues to improve, leaving the Gas fans wondering how they got a player of his ability.

What’s next?

A major test awaits Rovers on Saturday as they take on Northampton Town, who occupy one of the automatic promotion spots.