Newport County 1-0 Bristol Rovers: Player ratings, MOTM, heroes & villains as Gas suffer bad day at office

Bristol Rovers’ League Two promotion push took a slight dent as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to playoff rivals Newport County.

James Waite’s 33rd minute strike for the Exiles was the only goal of the game in a well-valued victory for the Welsh side, bringing to an end a six-game unbeaten run.

The Gas struggled throughout the match and failed to threaten much of Newport’s goal with only half opportunities until stoppage time when Hoole almost snatched a draw.

As a result of the defeat, they remain ninth in the table but are now four points off of seventh-placed Swindon Town.

Tale of the game

Staying true to his word, Joey Barton made just the one change, bringing back top scorer Aaron Collins to the fold for Leon Clarke.

It was a scrappy opening for Rovers to contend with and they were let off the hook early when Rob Street put wide a good opportunity from an Aaron Lewis cross. Street’s chance was part of a strong start from the hosts whilst Rovers were struggling to get out of first gear.

After not causing any early threat on the Newport defence, Nick Anderton got the first shot away, bursting into the box and drawing Nick Townsend to save his attempt at his left post.

Another chance then came as the home side failed to clear Antony Evans’ free-kick but Sam Nicholson’s chipped shot only ended up on the roof of the net.

The biggest warning sign for Rovers was when a far-sided free-kick from Jake Cain missed was clipped onto the post by the foot of Street.

Newport would open the scoring moments after that chance, every Rovers player stood off Waite and the Welsh youngster hit a low shot on the edge of the box, beating Belshaw.

The defence was at sixes and sevens and they almost fell further behind as Cain’s low shot whistled just past the post. The on-loan Liverpool midfielder then hit a free-kick from 25-yards just the opposite side of the goal with Belshaw beaten.

As the game moved into stoppage time, the game came to a halt with Connor Taylor receiving treatment from the medical staff. It took the sting out of the game and the referee brought a difficult first period to an end.

Taylor didn’t return to the pitch and at the break was replaced by Ryan Loft with a change in shape.

It was more of the same in the early knockings of the second half as Belshaw had to be alert to Telford’s goalbound header.

There were two half opportunities for Rovers with Evans playing in Loft, though the striker’s tucked shot was blocked and Collins was denied by their defence on the follow up.

Newport still were causing problems and hit the post through Finn Azaz who tried his luck from an acute angle.

In a bid to change the game, Jon Nolan was brought on for his first appearance in the quarters whilst Sam Finley also made a return with Evans and Glenn Whelan replaced just after the hour mark.

It wouldn’t be until the last five minutes that Rovers would register another meaningful attempt, though Townsend was well positioned to save Nicholson’s curling shot.

With still only one goal in it, Belshaw made a fine save to deny Cain who smacked a half-volley on the edge of the box.

In the fifth minute of the seven allotted, Rovers almost snatched a point but Townsend made a fine reactive save to Luca Hoole’s close-ranged header, which would prove to be the last notable action of the match.

Heroes

James Belshaw: Made a decent save to deny Telford in the opening few minutes of the second half and then saved from Azaz also. The Telford save was extraordinary and then Azaz was routine. In the last few minutes he also saved from Cain, at least playing his part in trying to keep his team in the match.

James Connolly: Tough to include a defender in here as they weren’t at their best today but Connolly at least showed glimpses. The Cardiff City defender made a number of crucial blocks in the first-half. Slight gloss taken off by the yellow card he picked up.

The Gas fans: This was a real struggle to watch for the Gasheads but this didn’t dampen their spirits. Behind the goal, you could hear renditions of Goodnight Irene, as they tried to provide some much needed motivation to the players. Even they though couldn’t impact the performance.

Villains

Antony Evans: No Evo magic today as the midfielder was brought off after the hour mark for Jon Nolan. Evans struggled to get a foot in the game and even from free-kicks, he didn’t cause as many problems for the opposition as we’ve been accustomed to. Whilst he wasn’t at his best, there weren’t many other players who couldn’t come out of the game with glory in what can be put down perhaps to a bad day at the office.

James Waite: Villain for Rovers but a hero for County. At the start of the year, Waite was playing semi-professional football after a release from Cardiff City, but now he’s playing in the Football League.

Waite ultimately proved to be the match winner as he found himself in the right shooting place to beat Belshaw for what was his first goal in professional football.

The 22-year-old isn’t usually a starter and was playing in the place of Cooper who is their usual bright spark but he gave a good account of himself.

Player ratings

Newport County (4-2-2-2): Nick Townsend 6, Aaron Lewis 7, Cameron Norman 6, Mickey Demetriou 7, Ryan Haynes 7, Scott Bennett 7, Jake Cain 7, Finn Azaz 7 (Matty Dolan, 82;6), James Waite 8, (Oli Cooper, 77;6), Dominic Telford 6, Rob Street 6 (Alex Fisher, 56;6)

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 6, Lucas Hoole 6, Connor Taylor 6 (Ryan Loft, 6; 46), James Connolly 7, Nick Anderton 6, Glenn Whelan 6 (Sam Finley, 62;6), Antony Evans 5, (Jon Nolan , 62;6), Sam Nicholson 6, Elliot Anderson 6, Harry Anderson 6, Aaron Collins 6.

Man of the Match

Match-winner James Waite. Scored the decisive moment of the game and looked a threat.

What’s next?

There’s a chance to put things right on Tuesday as Rovers travel to The People’s Pension Stadium to face Crawley Town.

No midweek game for Newport, they’re on the road to Paul Tisdale’s Stevenage next Saturday.