Bristol Rovers player ratings v Wigan Athletic as one ‘brilliant’ 9/10 and two 8/10s

Bristol Rovers secured their first home victory of the season in League One as they thumped Wigan Athletic 4-1.

Luke Thomas opened the scoring for the hosts within a quarter of an hour, as his fine curled effort found the bottom left-hand corner as the forward cut in from the right wing.

Wigan soon equalised as Charlie Wyke flicked the ball past Matt Cox from close range, following a Martial Godo cross.

Rovers then regained their advantage as Jack Hunt bundled the ball over the line, following a teasing delivery by Thomas.

The Gas made it three early in the second half as captain Sam Finley brilliantly found the in-form Aaron Collins who fired his shot past the helpless Tickle.

Joey Barton’s side then made it four midway through the second half as goal scorer Hunt, turned provider for John Marquis whose emphatic header was too much for the Wigan number one, topping off a great display for the hosts.

Here’s how the players faired...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 7

Couldn’t have done much about the visitors goal. Was vocal between the sticks and dealt with any chances well.

Jack Hunt - 9

Did well to steer his effort over the line, which was almost kept out by the unfortunate Sam Tickle. Produced a great cross for John Marquis who nodded home.

Was brilliant up and down the right-hand side all afternoon and was awarded player of the match.

Connor Taylor - 7

Had a tough job up against the physical Wyke, he was brave in the tackle and overall got the better of the number nine.

Joshua Grant - 7

Didn’t play to whistle like the rest of his teammates when Rovers felt they should have had a foul on Cox, which left Wyke with a yard of space to score Wigan’s opener. However, performed well at centre back alongside Taylor, winning most of his arial duals.

Harvey Vale - 7

Faired well at left back considering its not the loanee’s favoured position. Had a fairly quiet game compared to others, but always looked to put a cross in where appropriate for his side.

Lamare Bogarde - 7

Handled the task of playing in the pivot alone well, especially at a young age, was physical in the tackle.

Antony Evans - 7

Found Luke Thomas on the wing well for Rovers’ opener and always tried to make the forward pass. Was very energetic in the middle of the park and optimised Rovers’ performance.

Sam Finley - 7

Looked to dictate the play from the off and found Collins with a delightful ball for Rovers’ third. Helped the Gas dominate possession throughout the match.

Aaron Collins - 7

Finished brilliantly past Tickle as he smashed the ball home, was a livewire for the Gas and a real threat whenever given the ball on the left-hand side.

John Marquis - 8

Led the line well and pressed a lot from the front. Deservedly got on the scoresheet with his bullet header.

Luke Thomas - 8

Brilliantly finished his effort early in the first-half to give the hosts the lead. Produced a great cross for Hunt who did well to execute.

Jevani Brown (subbed on, 81) - N/A

Luca Hoole (subbed on, 82) - N/A

Luke McCormick (subbed on, 82) - N/A

Ryan Woods (subbed on, 88) - N/A

Scott Sinclair (subbed on, 88) - N/A