Bristol Rovers player ratings v Sheff Wed: Two 5/10’s but Collins rediscovers his touch

Bristol Rovers rued their mistakes as Sheffield Wednesday won 2-1 after a strong first-half performance at the Memorial Stadium.

The Owls stood strong to withstand an early second half barrage from the Gas, who failed to build upon Aaron Collins’ concellation and ran out winners thanks to first half goals from Barry Bannan and Akin Famewo.

The Gas remain in 15th place after their narrow loss, 12 points above the drop with a game in hand with five games to go, the visitors meanwhile also don’t move up or down and stay third with the top two sides Plymouth and Ipswich also winning tonight.

James Belshaw - 6

Belshaw was the hero in the reverse fixture, being named man of the match in front of the Sky Sports cameras and could do nothing as Bannan found the side netting for the away side’s opener.

He could have dealt with the corner better for Wednesday’s second, and looked helpless as the ball was poked home. Will take the assist credits when his pass somehow made it through to Collins, with the Welshman slotting home and getting one back for the Gas.

Lewis Gordon 6 - (John Marquis 74’)

A decent performance from the defender, struggled to attack in the first half in his wing-back role but defended well when called upon. Was substituted in a change of shape with just over 15 to go.

Lewis Gibson - 6

The Everton loanee raised some heartrates when his underhit back-pass was intercepted by Michael Smith, lucky for the defender, Smith’s touch to go round Belshaw was heavy and went out for a goal-kick. Despite having the height advantage of Wednesday striker Lee Gregory, more often than not Gibson was losing the aerial duells.

James Connolly - 6 (Sam Finley 45’)

Was substituted at the break in a change of shape after a quiet first half.

Jarell Quansah - 5

His pass to Ward was sloppy, setting up the midfielder to have his pocket picked by Lee Gregory - who then teed up Barry Bannan for Wednesday’s opener.

His header from Bannan’s inital corner was straight up in the air, and straight into danger for the away side’s second. Reacted well in the second half, and made a vital last-ditch challenge on Lee Gregory to keep the score at just one.

Luca Hoole - 7

Another solid display from the Welshman, struggled to get forward in the first half like Gordon but defended well and offered an option down the right.

Grant Ward - 6 (Antony Evans 45’)

Was the recipient of a ‘hospital pass’ from Quansah on the edge of his own box, and could only look on as Bannan fired the away side ahead after being played in. His set pieces were more often that not cleared easily by Wednesday. Was substituted at the break.

Lamare Bogarde - 6 (Harry Anderson 88’)

Bogarde battled well in the midfield, but was unable have any real impact on the game.

Aaron Collins - 7

Calmly slipped the ball past Dawson to get one back for his side in a lightning fast second half start from his side.

Ryan Loft - 6 (Scott Sinclair 45’)

Battled well against an aerially strong side, getting his side up the pitch with the striker just lacking the end product.

Josh Coburn - 6

A quiet game all things considered for Coburn, who was dominated aerially for the most part by former Bristol City man Aden Flint.

Substitutes:

Sam Finley - 6

Struggled to impact the game by the midfielder’s usual standards.

Antony Evans - 6

Tried to provide the spark in midfield that the Gas were lacking, and made a difference after being brought on.

Scott Sinclair - 5

Almost set up Wednesday’s third when he accidentally played Smith through on goal, luckily for Sinclair the striker’s effort was well over the bar.

John Marquis - 6

Had the ball in the back of the net with just over ten to go, but was a good few yards offside.

Harry Anderson -N/A