Bristol Rovers player ratings v Wycombe: ‘Struggled, targeted, bright spark’

Bristol Rovers lost for the first time in six matches after goals either side of half time from David Wheeler and Lewis Wing cancelled out Josh Coburn’s early effort to give Wycombe Wanderers the win.

The Gas took the lead inside four minutes after a great pass down the line from Anthony Evans found Aaron Collins, the Welshman played a great ball across the box and Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn was waiting to tap home.

Rovers almost found the same success from the same move less than two minutes later, this time Collins’ cross was in the air and Coburn headed over in a lightning fast start for Joey Barton’s side.

The score was even after a long ball from the home side was headed down by Sam Vokes, the ball was played wide to Alex Mehmeti who put an enticing ball into the Rovers box. The stray leg of David Wheeler bounced the ball over James Belshaw, and into the back of the net.

The home side then took the advantage just after the break when Anis Mehmeti found space down the left flank, his initial effort was saved by Belshaw however the ball rebounded to Lewis Wing and the Rovers’ shot-stopper could only get a hand to it as the ball went into the bottom corner.

Rovers lacklustre start to the second half played right into the hands of Wycombe, who looked to waste time wherever possible. Rovers failed to match their impressive first half and the Gas lost their first game in six.

Bristol Rovers lost for the first time in six matches after goals either side of half time from David Wheeler and Lewis Wing cancelled out Josh Coburn’s early effort to give Wycombe Wanderers the win.

The Gas took the lead inside four minutes after a great pass down the line from Anthony Evans found Aaron Collins, the Welshman played a great ball across the box and Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn was waiting to tap home.

Rovers almost found the same success from the same move less than two minutes later, this time Collins’ cross was in the air and Coburn headed over in a lightning fast start for Joey Barton’s side.

The score was even after a long ball from the home side was headed down by Sam Vokes, the ball was played wide to Alex Mehmeti who put an enticing ball into the Rovers box. The stray leg of David Wheeler bounced the ball over James Belshaw, and into the back of the net.

The home side then took the advantage just after the break when Anis Mehmeti found space down the left flank, his initial effort was saved by Belshaw however the ball rebounded to Lewis Wing and the Rovers’ shot-stopper could only get a hand to it as the ball went into the bottom corner.

Rovers lacklustre start to the second half played right into the hands of Wycombe, who looked to waste time wherever possible. Rovers failed to match their impressive first half and the Gas lost their first game in six.

James Belshaw - 6

Made a great initial save for Mehmiti’s effort, however couldn’t get a strong enough hand to Wing’s effort that eventually found the back of the net.

James Connolly - 6

Was targeted aerially by Vokes, and struggled against the striker, losing the header that led to Wycombe’s first.

Bobby Thomas - 6

Was outmuscled by David Wheeler, and paid the price as a result with Wheeler finding Mehmeti who brang it forward, leading to his side’s second.

Luca Hoole - 6

Hoole’s one-on-one defensive ability was tested by the tricky Anis Mehmeti, however the 20-year-old performed well. Found himself out of position for Wycombe’s second however, leaving Mehmiti with too much time to pick out his shot.

Lewis Gibson - (Subbed for Ryan Loft 80’) - 6

Playing in his less preferred position of left back and fared well defensively, needed to push further up the pitch and give more of an attacking option when his side was losing.

Scott Sinclair - (Subbed for Sam Finley 58’) - 6

Struggled to get into the game  and was substituted in the second half.

Paul Coutts - 6

The Rovers skipper had a game to forget, gifting possession to the home side and being bailed out by Thomas after his lazy pass found Vokes at the start of the second half.

Anthony Evans - 6

A great ball down the line for Collins leading to his side’s opener, but some good set piece deliveries in however was wasteful of the ball on some occasions.

Aaron Collins - 7

Put the ball on a plate for his strike partner Coburn to tap home but other than that didn’t provide that attacking spark that he has done for so much of the season.

Josh Coburn - 7

Couldn’t miss when he found himself yards out with an open goal and was a menace to the Wycombe defence throughout the first half. The ball was mostly over his head in the second half and was grabbed by a Wycombe defender at any opportunity.

John Marquis - (Subbed for Luke McCormick 68’) - 6

His fine form as of late was rewarded with a first league start since October and was unlucky to not be awarded a penalty in the first half after it looked as though he was tripped by the outstretched hand of Max Stryjek.

Sam Finley - 6

Provided some energy to the Rovers midfield however failed to build on his good form before his injury.

Luke McCormick - 7

Was the bright spark in Rovers attack after coming on, regularly driving the ball forward and his side up the pitch.

Ryan Loft - N/A