Bristol Rovers player ratings: ‘Unplayable’ - One player scores 9/10 vs Cheltenham

Bristol Rovers opened the New Year with a victory as they won 2-1 against Cheltenham Town at the Memorial Stadium on the first day of 2023. Aaron Collins picked up where he left off to score the Gas’ first goal and set up Josh Coburn, with both goals coming in the first-half. Alfie May reduced the deficit in the second period but the Robins could not find a second goal.

Rovers bounce back after two straight defeats and move up two places to 10th, and are just four points off of the play-offs. Cheltenham drop down two places and are now in 18th, six points above the drop zone, but with a game in hand.

The Gas were ahead midway through the first half after a smart pass from Sam Finley picked out Aaron Collins between the Cheltenham defenders and the striker calmy rolled the ball past Luke Southwood.

Joey Barton’s side then doubled their lead just before the break after Josh Coburn was slipped in by Collins. The middlesbrough loanee’s strike was too powerful for Southwood who got a touch on it.

It was almost three before half time after Coburn was put in behind by Anthony Evans, the striker thought he had his second after curling into the back of the net however the ball was a touch too late and the linesman had his flag up.

A gift just after the break saw the away side back in it. James Connolly under virtually no pressure passed the ball straight to May just outside his own penalty area, who then rounded the ex-Cardiff City man and blasted it past Belshaw, halving the deficit.

Cheltenham pushed for the equaliser, and only a great block from Evans, a smart save from Belshaw and May’s lofted effort going wide stopped the score from being levelled.

Rovers bounce back after two straight defeats and move up two places to 10th, and are just four points off of the play-offs. Cheltenham drop down two places and are now in 18th, six points above the drop zone, but with a game in hand.

Player ratings

James Belshaw - 7

The number-one came under much scrutiny from his own boss after shipping four last time out.

His goal was tested by May and Liam Sercombe in the first half. Rushed out of his goal again in the second half and luckily saw May’s lofted effort go wide of his post

Lewis Gibson - (Subbed for Luca Hoole 58’) 6

Went down with an injury in the second half, and was substituted for Luca Hoole after a first half performance in which he was never really tested.

James Connolly - 5

Provided Cheltenham a lifeline after giving the ball to May on the edge of his own box. An uncharacteristic mistake from the 21-year-old.

Bobby Thomas - 6

The on-loan Burnley centre-back saw lots of the ball in the first half, with the inch-perfect ball to Harry Anderson being the highlight.

Thomas had a tendency to step out with the ball however, with him losing the ball on more than one occasion trying to get his side up the pitch. He was put under pressure in thes second-half, but made vital challenges and won his fair share of aerial battles.

Harry Anderson - 7 (subbed off for James Gibbons, 68), 7

Making his first start since late October, the midfielder was strong in both boxes and was vital in his side’s good first half performance, and made way for the more defensive minded Gibbons in the second half.

Paul Coutts - 7

A strong defensive performance in the second half from the Rovers skipper, looked calm on the ball and helped settle his defence.

Sam Finley (subbed off for Luke McCormick 79’) - 7

The midfielder’s ball to Collins was pitch-perfect and marshalled the midfield well in the first half.

Scott Sinclair - 6

Sinclair had success down the left in the first half against ex Rovers man Ryan Broom, however didn’t have the same effect in the second with his team under the cosh. Showed great game management at the end, taking the ball to Cheltenham’s corner flag.

Anthony Evans - (subbed off for Glenn Whelan 79’) - 7

A good first half performance should’ve been topped with an assist, however his pass was a touch too late and Coburn was viewed to have strayed offside. Looked bright throughout and a vast contrast to just days ago against Exeter.

Aaron Collins - 9

A calm and composed finish in the first half gave his side the lead after finding space in a compact and well organised Cheltenham defence. He then turned creator for the Gas’ second, slipping in Coburn and with 23 goal contributions in 25 games, the Welshman is unplayable at the minute and his name will be on the minds of many club’s scouting department.

Josh Coburn - (subbed off for Ryan Loft 68’) - 8

Looks wise beyond his years when he receives the ball with his back to goal, is strong enough to hold off the defender, yet good enough with his feet to take it past them too. His first half strike makes it eight goals in 14, and has formed an elite partnership alongside Collins.

Luca Hoole - 6

Was thrust straight into the deep end, with his side comfortably second best and under a period of real pressure, however performed well.

James Gibbons - 6

Slotted in at left back in a change of shape for Joey Barton’s side and provided stability at the back.

Ryan Loft - 6

Chased every ball, no doubt his manager’s instruction when Loft was brought onto the pitch.

Luke McCormick - 6

Provided energy in the midfield at a time where it was needed for his side.

Glenn Whelan - 6

Experience at the back is something the Gas have lacked this season, and Whelan provided that alongside a little game management to help his side over the line.