Bristol Rovers player ratings as 'extraordinary' 9/10 Kofi Shaw shines in Bolton win

Starlet Kofi Shaw was the star of the show at the Memorial Stadium as Bristol Rovers ran out 3-2 winners over promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers in a topsy-turvy clash at the Memorial Stadium.

The 18-year-old (pictured below) won the official man of the match award for his outstanding display in a pulsating victory that saw Gas boss Inigo Calderon continued aim of getting away from the drop zone gain a valuable three points.

Two goals from Chris Martin and a late winner by Connor Taylor mean that Rovers secure back to back wins against play off opposition after a win over Huddersfield Town and tonight’s against Bolton.

The Gas started the better team and took the lead after five minutes thanks to Chris Martin's penalty. The visitors then hit back thanks to a goal from Aaron Morley whose shot after a corner powered its way past the Rovers defense and Jed Ward.

Rovers then took the lead thanks to a brilliant team goal with involvement from Butcher, Shaw, Sotiriou and then the ball was placed into the back of the net by Martin. Rovers’ ead only lasted seven minutes when a Bolton set piece eventually found its way to thanks to Wanderers top scorer John McAtee and he headed it in infront of the travelling fans.

However seven minutes from the end, Bristol Rovers and Connor Taylor had the last laugh when the big defender, Jumped higher than everybody to send the Thatchers end wild and secure Rovers the three points. The result now leaves Rovers in 17th place and nine points clear of Burton Albion who are in the final relegation position.

Player ratings

Jed Ward: started the game off with not much to do, but a brilliant close range save to deny Aaron Collins early was crucial for Rovers, Couldn't do much with Morley's goal as his vision was blocked by the sheer amount of players in the box from the corner. His set piece catching ability was very good tonight as well and got rovers on a few counters. 8

Joel Senior: Looked good going forward in the first and linking up with Shaw however defensively he seemed to be caught a few times being too narrow. In the second half he was definitely quieter however the bolton attack went largely down his side and he managed to withstand it well. 7

Sil Swinkels: Very good first half for the young Dutchman who looks right at home while on loan from Aston Villa. Recognised danger quickly and swept it up and stopped numerous quick counters from the visitors. 7

James Wilson(C): Composed performance for the skipper as he led the two younger defenders on either side of him very well. Will was annoyed that his side conceded from two set pieces but his own defensive performance was very good. 7

Taylor-made winner

Connor Taylor: A no-nonsense defensive performance by the big defender however what he lacked contributing in the defence he contributed in attack by popping up with the winning goal seven minutes from time to put Rovers nine points clear of the dropzone. The fact he wanted it more than the Bolton players was decisive. 8.5

Clinton Mola: Good performance going both ways from Mola tonight. There were some shaky moments in the first half defensively with the long balls but as the game progressed his impact further up the pitch increased more and more. He had a great opportunity at 1-1 to put Rovers in the lead but his shot just went wide. Was substituted in the 83rd minute. 7

Matt Butcher: Was instrumental in Rovers second with a crucial interception in his box, That then sent Kofi Shaw on the run and the rest was history. Like Martin he guided a player not used to the position in Taylor Moore and they formed a very good midfield partnership with Shaw. 7

Taylor Moore: You wouldn't have thought that he has been a centre-back for 18-plus years. A very good performance in an unnatural position. Sat in front of the three central defenders and swept up any danger. Moved out to right-back after Senior was substituted and helped shore up the defence in a nervy finale. 7

Getting better with age

Kofi Shaw: Bright start for the 18-year-old who drew the foul for the penalty which gave Rovers an early lead. In the second he had an early shot which was parried which started his intent for the second half. And for Rovers second goal it was Shaw’s pass which set away Sotiriou to get the assist for Martin. Extraordinary display from one so young who has been linked with Aston Villa and Leeds, 9

Ruel Sotiriou: Ran Shaw close as Rovers best attacking threat with his link-up play with Martin doing wonders for the Gas attack. Playing out of his natural number 10 to switch to the nine he looked like a seasoned pro up top. Picked up an assist for the second with his ball across the box perfectly landing on Martin’s boot. 8

Chris Martin: Did well with his hold up play and brought Sotiriou into the game as much as possible. His first goal which was from the penalty spot was a brilliant penalty sending the keeper the wrong way and his Second was him getting on the end of a fantastic team move to give rovers the lead. On his return from injury, Martin will be very happy with that performance. The 36-year-old is getting better with age. 8.5