Bristol Rovers player ratings v West Ham as bright spark gets 7/10 but two score 5s

Bristol Rovers saw their first defeat in the EFL Trophy group stage after losing 3-1 at home to West Ham U21s.

Sam Finley opened the scoring for the hosts as his fine finish went into the bottom right-hand corner.

The Hammers then equalised through a Callum Marshall penalty on minute 70, as substitute Connor Taylor brought down the quick Dan Chesters, as he was one-on-one with James Belshaw.

The visitors then took the lead eight minutes later as George Earthy couldn’t miss inside the box as he fired his shot past Belshaw following a cross.

Earthy then scored his second of the match in stoppage time, meaning the academy side went top of the group after playing just one game, leaving Rovers in second, behind on goal difference.

Here are how the players faired.

Player ratings:

James Belshaw - 6

Gave the ball away in a few dangerous areas on the odd occasion. Did well all evening punching away dangerous crosses from corners. Couldn’t keep Callum Marshall’s penalty out, which went into the right-hand corner. Not much he could have done to keep out George Earthy’s finish from 10 yards out.

James Gibbons - 6

Looked to get the ball moving forward throughout. Dealt with West Ham well on his right-hand side before coming off.

Luca Hoole - 6

Slightly rocky at centre back in the first half an hour, however began to compose himself as the match went on, was unable to stop Earthy taking the lead.

James Wilson - 6

Dealt with West Ham’s attack well, was replaced by Connor Taylor at half-time.

Lewis Gordon - 6

Was composed at left back and dealt with danger well, was caught flat footed as Dan Chesters went in on goal to be brought down for a penalty.

Ryan Woods - 6

Looked to control play where possible and break up the play, playing in that pivot between the lines.

Sam Finley - 7

Gave the ball away cheaply on a few occasions, almost leading to a goal early into the match. However calmly slotted home into the bottom corner, midway through the first-half to give Rovers the lead.

Luke McCormick - 6

Had two big chances missed early in both halves. Was the link between midfield and attack as he found himself causing West Ham problems in the hole.

Harvey Vale - 6

Struggled to get into the game in the first-half, however looked positive when given the opportunity.

Jevani Brown - 6

Had very few touches in either half, his effort just went wide of the far post just before half-time.

Scott Sinclair - 6

Looked a threat on the left wing, always looked to get in behind and trouble the visitors before being substituted.

Connor Taylor (subbed on, 45) - 5

Gave a penalty away midway through the second half as he was caught in a sprint race with Dan Chesters, bringing down the attacker, allowing the visitors to equalise.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed on, 78) - 5

Couldnt get back to block the cross soon after coming on, which led to the visitors making it 2-1.

Antony Evans - (subbed on, 78) - 6

Tried to get the ball moving after coming on.

Aaron Collins - (subbed on, 78) - 6

Didn’t have enough time or opportunites to get his side back in the game.

Luke Thomas - (subbed on, 78) - 6

Tried to be threatening for the hosts when subbed on.