Bristol Rovers player ratings: ‘Majestic, workmanlike’ - Two players score 8/10 vs Plymouth

Bristol Rovers showed their true resolve as they battled from two goals down to claw back a 2-2 draw with league leaders Plymouth Argyle.

Substitute Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins netted to cancel out Finn Azaz and Adam Randell’s efforts, after their two spectacular goals to give the Pilgrims the lead.

Summer transfer target Azaz showed Rovers what they missed out on with a stupendous strike to open the scoring. Azaz on the right-hand side of the box skilfully dribbled past two before curling his shot into the top-hand post.

A glorious chance presented itself to get back on level terms but Rovers could not take advantage. Bobby Thomas played a direct-ball to Aaron Collins for a one-on-one but Michael Cooper denied him in a one-on-one.

Plymouth made the hosts rue their missed opportunity as on the stroke of half-time, they doubled their tally. An uncleared ball fell to the feet of Randell who let fly with James Belshaw helpless.

An inspired substitution was made at the break as Coburn replaced Hoole to make his team more attack minded. His first action was to put his body in the way and slide the ball home from a low Collins cross.

The Mem burst into ecstasy as Rovers clawed themselves back from a two-goal deficit to level proceedings. A deft backheel from Ryan Loft inside the box allowed Collins to run in and squeeze his shot past the goalkeeper.

Rovers dominated the majority of the second-half and had opportunities to win the match with Cooper clawing away a Thomas header off the line at the back post. Scott Sinclair was introduced before the match but he was unable to make a telling impact.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 6

No blame for Belshaw given the moments of quality that Plymouth showed with their two stupendous strikes. Made a save to deny Azaz from increasing their advantage.

Luca Hoole - 6

Came in for James Gibbons and did a capable job at right-back. Most of the problems came down the left in the first period. Taken off for a positive tactical change.

Bobby Thomas - 7

Plymouth’s goals were two moments of brilliance that the centre-backs could do nothing about. A timely block to deny Plymouth from a short corner-kick. He almost became the hero too with a header that was clawed away.

Lewis Gibson - 7

Assured in possession and was successful in his attempts when it came to last-ditch challenges.

Lewis Gordon - 7

Gordon was everywhere in the second-half and was chasing plenty of lost causes. His teammates just needed to be in time with him and his desire. Looked lively going forward.

Jordan Rossiter - 7

Rovers central midfield improved in the second period but for the first part, they had been overrun. Rossiter was everywhere toay.

Sam Finley - 7

Azaz and Morgan Whittaker profited from the Pilgrims putting in a physical showing in the first-half. Finley played a part in Collins’ equaliser by driving the ball forward.

Antony Evans - 6

A pass across goal for Ryan Loft was as interesting as it got for Evans in an otherwise quiet first-half. He isn’t able to influence games as he did last season and so is acclimatising to a new role.

Harry Anderson - 7

Lively. Anderson put himself about a fair bit in the first-half and chased down several fifty-fifties. Went near to scoring an unlikely header. A dogged and gutsy performance that he can take pride from.

Ryan Loft - 8

Loft certainly benefits from playing in a front two. An assist for Collins’ goal was the reward for his brilliant hold-up play. A workman like display.

Aaron Collins - 8

Majestic. Another game, another goal contribution for Collins. Plymouth roughed him up and got in his face, but he came out better in the second period. An assist for Josh Coburn’s goal got things going and then he got himself on the scoresheet.

Josh Coburn , subbed on 46 - 7

An inspired substitution who opened things up for Rovers. His goal wasn’t the cleanest but they all count. He brought others into the game with presence.

James Gibbons, subbed on 64 - 6

Gibbons was brought on for Anderson who would have been knackered from his display. Nothing of note to report as there was an emphasis on attack.

Luke McCormick, subbed on 82 - 6

McCormick may have been the match-winner had Coburn anticipated his run.

Scott Sinclair, subbed on 88 - N/A