Bristol Rovers player ratings: ‘Livewire’ two score 8/10 in brilliant Port Vale win

Luke McCormick opened the scoring for Bristol Rovers after 25 minutes, as his header sailed past goalkeeper Connor Ripley, courtesy of a Jevani Brown inswinging cross.

Jesse Debrah had a full debut to forget for Port Vale, as he was sent off late in the first-half for a second bookable offence following a late challenge.

Jack Hunt doubled Rovers’ lead, just before the interval with an emphatic finish past Ripley, after great play down the left-hand side by Aaron Collins.

Jevani Brown secured all three points for the Gas scoring their third goal, with five minutes from time with a beautiful curled effort into the top right-hand corner.

Here is how the players fared...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 7

Didn’t have much to do all evening, but dealt with any Vale danger well. He was vocal between the sticks and was faultless with his feet.

Jack Hunt (subbed off, 90) - 8

Got another goal from fullback and finished his chance like a centre forward. Was a live wire down the right-hand side for Rovers and defended very well all evening.

Connor Taylor - 7

Won his arial battles well and was solid in centre half, kept Vale quiet all evening. Looked very assured in his performance.

Joshua Grant (subbed off, 86) - 7

A solid performance alongside Taylor in the heart of the defence, didn’t put a foot wrong.

Harvey Vale - 7

Another strong performance at fullback by the Chelsea loanee. He didn’t have many opportunites to get forward into positions he is more comfortable playing in, however he defended well.

Ryan Woods - 7

Played well in the pivot and protected his back four well all evening alongside Bogarde.

Lamare Bogarde - 7

Dictated the play well in the middle of the park, which gave the Gas the foundation to go on and win the game.

Luke McCormick (subbed off, 61) - 7

Made a great run into the box to get onto the end of Brown’s cross to score the opener and his header into the back of the net was sublime. Played well in the middle of the park and his work rate was good.

Jevani Brown (subbed off, 86) - 8

A brilliant assist for Rovers’ opener and an even better finish to score Rovers’ third with a delightful finish. Was there when it really mattered for the Gas.

Aaron Collins - 7

Was a threat down the left wing for the hosts. Turned provider for Hunt’s goal with a pinpoint cross.

Chris Martin - 7 (subbed off, 86)

Led the line well for Rovers on his full debut. He held the ball up well and was a presence up front.

Antony Evans (subbed on, 61) - 6

Came on in the second half and helped Rovers preserve their lead in the middle of the park and kept possession well.

Scott Sinclair (subbed on, 86) - N/A

Luca Hoole (subbed on, 86) - N/A

James Gibbons (subbed on, 86) - N/A

Lewis Gordon (subbed on, 90) - N/A