Bristol Rovers player ratings: Josh Coburn shines but five score 6/10 in Bolton draw

Bristol Rovers let slip a victory against Bolton Wanderers as they had to settle for a point after a 1-1 draw at the University of Bolton Stadium. Coburn’s goal was the Gas only shot on target as they were unable to hold on after constant pressure from Bolton in the second-half.

Josh Coburn opened the scoring inside 70 seconds but Dion Charles in the fourth minute of stoppage tie denied the Gas the victory. Despite dropping three points and having to ettle for one Rovers have lost just twice in 11 League One matches, but have won once in their last five.

Rovers opened the scoring with just over a minute on the clock with Coburn scoring the fifth goal of his loan spell. Anthony Evans ball across the box found the on-loan Middlesbrough striker who touched home from three-yards out.

First-team manager Joey Barton was issued a yellow card after a discussion with the fourth official in an otherwise quiet first-period. Bolton’s Amadou Bakayoko had the ball in the back of James Belshaw’s net mid-way through but to the relief of the Rovers faithful the linesman’s flag was raised.

The hosts dominated the latter stages of the game with the Rovers defence staying resolute up until the second minute of injury time, the clearance was failed and Dion Charles curled into the top corner, leaving Belshaw flat footed.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 6

Was let off mid-way through the first half after he missed his punch from a corner, luckily the Bolton strike was over his bar. The shot-stopper saved James Connolly’s blushes when he went low to deny Dion Charles with 15 to go however possibly could’ve done better with the home side’s late equaliser.

Lewis Gibson - 7

Was targeted by Bolton with balls over his shoulder, and struggled to spot the runs of Elias Kachunga, however was dominant aerially.

Bobby Thomas - 7

Lacked composure on the ball but like his defensive partner Gibson, excelled in the air.

James Connolly - 6

Won the ball well, however was sometimes guilty of not putting enough care in his passes out of defence. The 21-year-old was almost caught out late in the game after his poor first touch was pounced upon by Charles.

Trevor Clarke - 6 (James Gibbons 68’)

Brought into the fold in the absence of Lewis Gordon and struggled against the direct Conor Bradley in his first league start since late September.

Jordan Rossiter - 7

Week by week, Rossiter is developing an immense partnership with Sam Finley, and shielded the Rovers defence well,  allowing his midfield partner to go forward and create.

Sam Finley - 8

The Gas missed Finley’s midfield prowess in the first 65 minutes against Boreham Wood, and the 30-year-old showed exactly what his side missed last week

Scott Sinclair - 8

Had the Bolton defenders chasing their own shadows in the first half yet also excelled in his defensive duties. He was asked more of in the second half and may have been lucky to not concede a penalty late in the second half.

Anthony Evans - 7

Played a great ball across the box to Coburn for the opener after a darting run down the right wing. Evans’ set pieces were much better previous games and was more of a performance we are used to seeing from Evans.

Aaron Collins - 6 (Luke McCormick 90’)

The Welshman’s chances were limited, and failed to show the great form that Rovers fans had become used to this season.

Josh Coburn - 8

Had the all important touch for the opener after finding himself alone in the six yard box. Bullied the Bolton defence throughout and helped get his side up the pitch, holding off defenders and laying the ball off on more than one occasion.

James Gibbons - 6

Brought onto the pitch for the last 20 after Clarke was yellow carded, and stopped the success that Bradley was having down the left flank.

Luke McCormick - N/A

McCormick was substituted onto the pitch just before injury time lead, however saw his side concede a late equaliser.