‘Failed’, ‘Struggled’ - Bristol Rovers player ratings v Bolton Wanderers

John Marquis’ late concellation wasn’t enough as the Gas ran out 3-2 losers at the hands of Ian Evitt’s Wanderers.

Luca Hoole equalised just before the half-hour mark just minutes after Shola Shoretire put Bolton ahead, but two goals in seven minutes from Dan Nlundlu and Aaron Morley put the away side on their way to three points, and the play offs.

Joey Barton’s side end their first season back in League One with no win in seven - finishing 17th in the standings, while Bolton finish fifth and have a play off tie with Barnsley to look forward to.

James Belshaw - 6 (Ellery Balcombe 81’)

Could do little about all three goals, with Shoretires tapped in from the goal line and Nundlu and Morley both finding the far corners of Belshaw’s net.

Lewis Gordon - (Calum Macdonald 81’)

Had little to do defensively, with Bolton putting most of their attacking focus through central areas.

Lewis Gibson - 6

Dealt well with the pace of Shoretire, however gave Nlundlu too much space to find the bottom corner in the second half.

Jarell Quansah - 6 (James Connolly 81’)

The Liverpool loanee struggled against a physical Bolton attack throughout, with Victor Adeboyejo in the first half then Cameron Jermome in the second.

Luca Hoole - 7

Offered an option driving down the right flank and was in the right place at the right time to head into an open net, grabbing his side’s equaliser.

Grant Ward - 6

Was denied a goal by a Joel Dixon wondersave at the end of the first half after a good first half performance. Then was bailed out in the second by his keeper after losing the ball cheaply inside his own box.

Sam Finley - 6 (Glenn Whelan 78’)

Can claim the assist for Hoole’s equaliser, however failed to impact the game as much as we have seen this season. Was replaced by Whelan, making the Irishman the oldest player to represent Bristol Rovers.

Antony Evans - 6 (Lamare Bogarde 81’)

Tried to be the attacking spark that his side needed, however failed to impact the game.

Scott Sinclair - 7

Found success down the right in the first half, with his pace proving too much for George Johnston.

Aaron Collins - 7

The Welshman found most success dropping deep, and playing passes in behind for Scott Sinclair and Josh Coburn and was bright throughout.

Josh Coburn - 6 (John Marquis’ 45’)

Should have found the back of the net at the end of the first half after he was found ummarked virtually six yards out. Unfortunately for the Middlesbrough loanee his header crashed against the bar, then looked to have collided with the post afterwards - making way for John Marquis at the break.

Substitutes:

John Marquis - 7

Offered something different in the second half, and was on hand to poke home a concelation after Aaron Collins’ flick on was saved by Dixon.

Glenn Whelan - N/A (Luke McCormick 90+5)

Joey Barton spoke before the game that this could be Whelan’s fairwell to playing football, as he looks to be taking on a coaching role next season. The midfielder was replaced just before the final whistle to a standing ovation, ending a glittering career.

Calum Macdonald - N/A

Lamare Bogarde - N/A

James Connolly - N/A

Ellery Balcombe - N/A

Luke McCormick - N/A