‘Difficult night’, ‘Tireless display’ - Player ratings as Bristol Rovers unlucky in Shrewsbury defeat

Bristol Rovers had to settle for a 2-1 defeat to Shrewsbury Town despite a strong second-half performance in their final away game of the season at the New Meadow.

Former Gas man Luke Leahy opened the scoring in the second minute and on-loan Crystal Palace striker Rob Street doubled the Shrews lead but Josh Coburn pulled one back, scoring his first goal in 19 matches. Rovers had several appeals for a penalty turned down and tested Marko Marosi a few times but could not find a second goal.

Here’s how the Gas players fared in their defeat in Shropshire...

Ellery Balcombe - 6

Maybe could have done better for Street’s goal but both efforts were a collective effort.

James Gibbons (subbed off, 56) - 6

Gibbons put in a few good crosses but had to make way in a raft of changes.

Jarell Quansah - 5

Difficult night. Competed with Leahy but came off second best as he headed home. Street beat him far too easily for the second.

Lewis Gibson - 7

Rovers’ defence struggled to defend Leahy’s early header and could have done better with Street. He did well going forward.

Lewis Gordon (subbed off, 56) - 6

Street’s goal came down from the left-flank. Shortly substituted for Macdonald.

Sam Finley - 6

Shrewsbury played a game of trying to wind up Rovers players and Finley got suckered in at times.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed off, 56) - 6

Efficient. He made several good tackles early on in the match.

Grant Ward - 7

Ward had one of Rovers’ best chances; An engine in the centre of the park.

John Marquis (subbed off, 56) - 6

He had a few bright moments including a pass to Ward but couldn’t get himself in a shooting position.

Ryan Loft (subbed off, 56) - 6

Held play up well and got a chance in the first-half. Brought up to make for a change in structure.

Josh Coburn - 8

Good hold-up play and had a good few penalty appeals. He put his body on the line with a tireless display and got a deserved goal.

Aaron Collins (subbed on, 56) - 7

A real handful when he came on. He may not have had many chances himself but he got his teammates involved.

Luca Hoole (subbed on, 56) - 7

Came on and almost immediately got a yellow card. He was good going forward.

Calum MacDonald (subbed on, 56) - 6

Macdonald’s been somewhat of a forgotten man but he played well when he came on.

Antony Evans (subbed on, 56) - 7

Evans went near with his free-kick. He had a few good moments when coming on and may have played himself in to a start.

Scott Sinclair (subbed on, 56) -  7

Rovers caused numerous problems on the left and his cross helped contribute to Coburn’s goal. A real difference maker when he came on.