Bristol Rovers player ratings v Reading as substitute scores 8/10 whilst 5/10 midfielder replaced

Bristol Rovers were held to a 1-1 draw against Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, moving Andy Mangan's side to 9th in the League One table.

Ruben Selles' side took the lead at the end of the first-half, as Sam Smith put the hosts ahead with a powerful finish past Matt Cox, following a lapse in concentration by Ryan Woods who returned to the starting line-up from suspension.

Bristol Rovers equalised just before the hour mark as substitute Harvey Vale made an instant impact, as the Chelsea loanee played in Chris Martin who finished smartly with his weaker foot past goal keeper David Button.

Rovers felt that they should have had a penalty in the final moments of the match, as John Marquis was pushed to the ground inside the box as he was set to shoot, however referee Adam Herczeg waved play on.

The match finished one apiece and here is how the Gas players faired this evening...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 7

Put the Gas in some dangerous situations by giving the ball away cheaply at times. It would have been a big ask for the loanee to keep out Smith’s finish as it was hit with real power. In the second-half the keeper was more commanding.

Joshua Grant (subbed off, 90+2) - 7

Always defensively solid for the Gas but lacked attacking impetuous playing at full-back, which meant Luke Thomas wasn't able to be as effective on the right-hand side. Connor Taylor - 7

Ever present for the Gas in the heart of their defence and had another solid game for his side.

James Wilson (subbed off, 71) - 7

More than held his own on his return into the starting XI, however the experienced defender was replaced by Tristan Crama in the second-half due to injury.

George Friend - 7

The experienced defender was as solid as ever at full-back. The 36-year old was once again reliable in defence for Mangan.

Ryan Woods (subbed off, 56) - 5

Switched off and had the ball nicked off him for the hosts' goal. Found it tough in the first-half as the Royals had a numerical advantage in midfield.

Sam Finley - 7

Held his own considering the three v two in the middle of the park and had a great range of passes played. Started to dictate play more in the latter stages of the match.

Luke Thomas - 6

Struggled to really get into the match for Mangan's side and would have benefitted from a more attacking right-back to compliment the winger on the night.

Aaron Collins - 7

Some delightful touches throughout the first-half.

Jevani Brown (subbed off, 56) - 6

Had a couple of spells for the Gas but struggled to really trouble the Reading defence, before being replaced early in the second-half.

Chris Martin (subbed off, 71) - 7

Took his finish well to level things for the Gas and led the line well for his side. Had very limited opportunity to test Button throughout.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed on, 56) - 7

Was busy and had a good work rate when the youngster came on in the second-half. He broke up the play well for the Gas and took the pressure off his back four.

Harvey Vale (subbed on, 56) - 8

An instant impact by the substitute who did brilliant to find Martin, who levelled things for Rovers. Was a constant threat and Rovers' main danger after coming on.

Tristan Crama (subbed on, 71) - 6

Was solid for his team when called up on in the second-half.

John Marquis (subbed on, 71) - 6

Most certainly should have been awarded a penalty in added time and was a handful when substituted on in the second-half.

James Gibbons (subbed on, 90+2) - N/A