Bristol Rovers verdict: Coutts in Boot, Azaz’s wonder strike and Collins targeted

Bristol Rovers came from two goals behind to draw with Plymouth Argyle in an enthralling encounter which finished 2-2 at the Memorial Stadium.

Goals from Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins counteracted two incredible strikes from Fin Azaz and Adam Randell as the spoils were shared.

Plymouth were clearly planning their own goal of the season competition in this fixture with Azaz and Randell both firing in from outside the area, giving the away side a 2-0 lead at the break.

The Gas pulled one back within two minutes of the second half, with half-time substitute Josh Coburn converting an Aaron Collins pass across the box.

It was then even after a brilliant piece of play by Joey Barton’s side, Ryan Loft’s flick played the ball through to Collins who made no mistake in poking the ball past Cooper, giving the gas a well deserved point.

Captain Coutts missing

Club captain Paul Coutts was seen sporting a protective boot and crutches before the game, watching his side’s warmup from the tunnel.

He also made his way across the pitch to the bench with the substitutes just before kick off, instead of taking his place in the stands as most players would do.

The Gas may have missed his leadership, off the back of a great performance at Cheltenham when they found themselves two down at half time, however it was a second half performance the ‘skipper’ would’ve been proud of.

Azaz comes back to bite the Gas

Finn Azaz was a player rovers were interested in in the summer, Joey Barton revealed this week, choosing the Pilgrims instead of Barton’s side.

The Bristol Rovers manager would’ve been wishing he tried a little harder for the Aston Villa loanee’s services after just under 15 when Azaz cut onto his weaker left foot and nestled the ball in the top corner, putting his side a goal up from an acute angle.

He was given too much space in the first hald, regularly picking the ball up in gaps between the Rovers midfield and defence and dictating the play.

It was his goal that had Argyle ahead, then his clever ball in behind the defence led to Randell’s curler from 20 yards.

The Gas changed formation at half time, alongside the addition of Josh Coburn Joey Barton’s side played much narrower and the space that Azaz had such joy with in the first half was neutralised by Jordan Rossiter and Sam Finley.

Aaron Collins targeted

The Welshman has easily been the Gas’ best player this season, with eight goals and six assists in 14 games, and Plymouth seemed to be aware of that. Often putting two men on him and Collins was on the receiving end of several cynical fouls.

He had the chance to even the score mid-way through the first-half, however after an excellent first touch his shot was tame and easy for Michael Cooper.

It was Collins as per that got the Gas back into it. He was found on the wing by Harry Andersonand the Rovers number ten played the ball across the box for half-time substitute Josh Coburn to stumble the ball past Cooper.

The score was even again thanks to Collins, however the claims have to go to Ryan Loft who’s flick put the ball into the path of the goalscorer, who poked home past Cooper.

Scott Sinclair’s homecoming

Sinclair made his second debut for the club, 17 years and 196 days since his last appearance aged 16.

All corners of the ground applauded one of their own on 88 minutes, as he entered the pitch for the first time since his arrival on Tuesday.

It would’ve been the stuff of fairytales for Sinclair, who found the ball at his feet just inside the Plymouth box in injury time, however the 33-year-old was off balance and his shot went over Cooper’s bar.