Bristol Rovers player ratings v Northampton Town: 8/10 ‘livewire’ in Andy Mangan’s first win in charge

Bristol Rovers beat Northampton Town 2-1 at the Memorial Stadium in as Andy Mangan took charge as caretaker boss.

The Gas took the lead inside the opening 10 minutes, as Chris Martin’s delightful flick at the near post trickled into the back of Lee Burge’s net for his second goal for the club.

Outstanding reactions from Matt Cox insided the opening quarter of an hour denied Northampton Town, as their early pressure almost saw Tristan Crama put the ball into the back of his own net.

Antony Evans doubled Mangan’s side’s lead from the penalty spot on half an hour, as Aaron Collins was brought down by Burge as he beat the keeper to the ball.

Jon Brady’s side pulled one back just before the hour mark, as Manny Monthe’s header was too quick for Cox, following a Mitch Pinnock free-kick.

Substitute John Marquis had the ball in the back of the net Rovers’ third, but was flagged offside.

The Gas hung on right until the end and secured all three points at the Mem, moving them to 13th in the League.

Here is how the Rovers players faired...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 7

Made a couple of fantastic early saves to deny the visitors an opener. Rovers fought the early storm and his heroics allowed the Gas to settle and grow into the game. Couldn’t have done much to deny the visitors’ goal.

Joshua Grant - 6

Had a tough job playing right back up against the pace of the Northampton wide men. However played well at fullback.

Connor Taylor - 7

Looked relatively assured in the heart of the defence. However, nor he or Crama were able to deal with power of Monthe for the Cobblers goal.

Tristan Crama - 7

Dealt with the physical and quick Tyreece Simpson well and got the better of the forward over the 90 minutes.

George Friend (subbed off, 76) - 6

The experienced defender had a decent game at left back and is regaining fitness game-by-game since his injury issues.

Jevani Brown (subbed off, 90) - 6

Playing in right midfield, Brown had defensive as well as attacking duties. He did struggle to have an impact offensively but was up and down the wing all game for Mangan’s side.

Sam Finley (subbed off, 60) - 7

Provided an excellent through ball for Collins, who was subsequently brought down and was awarded a penalty. Ran the game well in the middle of the park and was very positive in possession.

Antony Evans - 7

Calmly slotted his penalty down the middle to double Mangan’s team’s lead. Played some brilliant balls across the pitch all game and helped dictate possession for the hosts.

Harvey Vale - 6

Played in a more advanced role than he had been in recent weeks. Didn’t put a foot wrong, but the youngster struggled to have a real affect on the game in an attacking sense.

Aaron Collins - 8

Great assist for the Gas’ opener and it was his burst of pace that beat the goal keeper to the ball to win the penalty, which Evans expertly converted. Would have had another assist for Marquis, but for the offside flag. He as a livewire all game for the Gas.

Chris Martin (subbed off, 60) - 7

A delighful flick to outwit Burge to score Rovers’ opener. Was physical and led the line well for the Gas before being replaced after an hour.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed on, 60) - 7

Came on in the second-half playing in the pivot. He shielded his defence and broke up the play well for the team.

John Marquis (subbed on, 60) - 7

Had the ball in the back of the net with a tidy finish from close range, however was flagged offside. Pressed hard for his side in the second-half.

Luke Thomas (subbed on, 76) - N/A

James Gibbons (subbed on, 90) - N/A