Bristol Rovers player ratings v Whitby Town as ‘livewire’ scores 9/10 in FA Cup victory

Bristol Rovers got off to winning ways in their FA Cup journey, after thumping non-league outfit Whitby Town 7-2 at the Memorial Stadium.

John Marquis opened the scoring for the hosts inside the opening five minutes as James Gibbons’ brilliant low cross found the centre forward, who couldn’t miss from six yards out.

Junior Mundal equalised for Whitby inside a quarter of an hour, as his left-footed shot flashed past the helpless Matt Cox.

Luke Thomas soon restored Rovers’ advanatge, as he weaved through the visitors’ defence and delicately finished past Shane Bland.

Jevani Brown made it three moments later, as Thomas turned provider as he found the forward who had time inside the box firing past Bland.

Antony Evans was clumisly brought down inside the box giving referee Ruebyn Ricardo no option but to point to the spot. The midfielder stepped up and fired his penalty into the left-hand corner, to make it for 4-1 to the hosts five minutes from half-time.

Substitute Connor Simpson clawed one back for Nathan Haslam’s side as he scored a screamer, curling his effort past Cox into the top right-hand corner from outside the box just before the hour mark.

Rovers made it five as Gibbons’ cross was too much for the Town defence as it went in off Harrison Beeden for an own goal.

Harvey Vale scored Rovers’ sixth as his left footed finish fired past Bland.

Aaron Collins made it seven for Rovers, as the subsitute’s finish was too much for the Whitby goal keeper as Mangan’s team ran riot, securing their spot in the next round of the competition.

Here is how the Rovers players faired...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 6

Couldn’t have done anything to stop Simpson’s screamer and it was a tough ask to keep out Mondal’s opener.

James Gibbons - 8

Found Marquis with a wicked cross to setup Rovers’ opener and played in another dangerous ball which led to the own goal. Had so much joy down the right flank, along with Thomas all game.

Tristan Crama - 7

Was assertive and dominant in his display. Wasn’t really at fault for the host’s two goals.

Connor Taylor (subbed off, 80) - 7

Taylor was dominant longside Crama and was physical in the tackle all afternoon.

Lewis Gordan (subbed off, 80) - 7

Went unnoticed at times as much of the play was down Gibbon’s left-hand side. Gordan put in a solid performance at full back.

Lamare Bogarde - 7

Had a good game in the middle of the park and shielded his defence well, whilst dictating possession with Evans.

Antony Evans - 8

Won Rovers a penalty before the interval, by using his experience well and confidently blasted his finish past Bland to score his team’s fourth. Dictated play all game for the Gas and was dominant all match.

Scott Sinclair (subbed off, 65) - 6

Struggled to have any major impact on the game, however had a few chances coming on from the left wing.

Luke Thomas - 9

Tremendous play on the right-hand side to score Rovers’ second. Unselfishly assisted Brown which made it three for Mangan’s side. Was a livewire for the Gas all afternoon.

Jevani Brown (subbed off, 65) - 7

Was creative for the Gas and always tried to get his team forward whenever possible.

John Marquis (subbed off, 87) - 8

Confidently finished his chance for the Gas’ opener and led the line well for his side, wearing the captain’s armband.

Harvey Vale (subbed on, 65) - 7

Came on and made an instant impact for Mangan’s side, scoring a goal with a great finish.

Aaron Collins (subbed on, 65) - 8

Had an instant impact after being subtituted on in the second-half. Extended Rovers’ lead further with a smart finish.

James Wilson (subbed on, 80) - N/A

Chris Martin (subbed on, 80) - N/A

Ollie Dewsbury (subbed on, 87) - N/A