Bristol Rovers player ratings as Gas forced into draw with scrappy Shrewsbury Town

Bristol Rovers had to settle for a point with Shrewsbury Town as the two scrapped to a 1-1 draw at the Memorial Stadium.

It was a tale of the two substitutes as Substitute Ryan Loft, introduced just after the hour mark, scored his first goal at the Memorial Stadium with a composed finish.

His second-half opener was cancelled out by the Salop’s Ryan Bowman, who had entered the pitch slightly earlier, lacing home from close-range from an uncleared corner-kick.

Shrewsbury were a side that arrived at the Mem, which set up to frustrate the Gas through play-acting, surrounding the referee in an attempt to influence decisions and winding down the clock in large peroids of the match.

Joey Barton’s side found it difficult to play their natural game with their attackers limited as to what they could do with their usual influential players.

The draw has Rovers positioned in 15th in the League One standings with attentions now turned to the EFL Trophy, travelling to Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 7

Made a number of good saves throughout the first-half which were needed as it was when Shrewsbury were on top. Unfortunate to concede and no complaints can be had against him for Bowman’s goal.

Luca Hoole - 6

Perhaps slightly too defensive in his performance as he was unable to get the wide players into the game on his side. He would often be too close to the centre-backs and was beaten a few times in the first half.

Alfie Kilgour - 7

Made a much-needed tackle in the first-half to slide in on a Shrewsbury player to stop them from breaking through. Covered again to stop Pyke coming in too, then in the second-half he continued to make last-ditch blocks, stopping Ryan Bowman from getting off the mark.

Lewis Gibson - 7

Gibson looked composed on the ball and is a clear ball playing defender. He coped well with having a newer centre-back partner alongside him.

Lewis Gordon - 6

A few of Shrewsbury’s attacks came from down his side and he was withdrawn just after the hour mark. This was a tactical change however to get the team going forward.

Jordan Rossiter - 6

Rossiter started well in the first-half and looked neat on the ball, but as the game went on it began to get away from him. He’ll be pleased to get a full ninety under his belt.

Paul Coutts - 6

Shrewsbury had the better of the midfield battle with a number of their players having shots from outside of the box.

Harry Anderson - 6

Anderson usually has more of a say on the game and is able to run at the defenders, but Shrewsbury’s full-backs had his number on this occasion.

Antony Evans - 6

Rovers’ talisman was unable to put his foot onto the match and influence games like he would have hoped to. Evans had one free-kick opportunity which as blocked, whilst his cross almost set up Marquis for a goal.

Aaron Collins - 7

Collins started off brightly in the opening stages of the match but this was a match that he would have hoped he had more of an influence on The Welsh forward set up Loft for his goal but that was the only moment in what was an otherwise quiet game.

John Marquis - 7

Rovers’ best player in the first-half, having gone the closest to opening the scoring. He had to deal with the rough and tumble of Shrewsbury who were right in their face.

Ryan Loft (subbed on, 60) - 7

Loft will be delighted to get off the mark in front of his home supporters for the first time. He received words of encouragement from Marquis which were deserved, as he took his goal well.

Harvey Saunders (subbed on, 76) - 6

Unable to influence the game when he came on.

Sam Finley (subbed on, 60) - 6

A doubt before the match having not trained as much prior. Finley wasn’t as dominating as fans have been acustomed to, shooting wide