Bristol Rovers player ratings v Oxford: Three score 7s, but one 5/10 in defeat at Kassam Stadium

Billy Bodin opened the scoring for Oxford United against his former club inside the opening quarter of an hour, as Ruben Rodriques delicatley chipped the ball into the attacker’s path, who smashed his effort home past the helpless Matt Cox.

Bristol Rovers looked to make amends and the Gas had the ball in the back of the net late in the first-half. Jack Hunt put in a great first time ball which met Aaron Collins who flicked his effort past James Beadle, however the forward was deemed offside.

Jevani Brown made matters worse for the visitors as he was sent off just after an hour, for a second bookable offence, which could have easily been avoided.

Sam Long scored the U’s second as his back post header bounced over Cox into the back of the net, following a corner kick.

Collins pulled one back forJoey Barton’s side just before full-time, as he smashed his left footed into the roof of the net past Beadle.

In the most bizzare fashion, Liam Manning’s side received two red cards in the final few minutes as substitute’s Oisin Smythe and Stanley Mills were sent off in stoppage time after second bookable offences.

Here is how the Rovers players faired...

Player ratings:

Matt Cox - 6

Wasn’t a lot the young keeper could have done about Bodin’s goal. Arguably could have done better to keep out Long’s header late on in the second-half.

Jack Hunt (subbed off, 75) - 7

Was a constant threat for the Gas from right back. Always an oulet for his side. Put in a brilliant cross for Collins’ finish, which was flagged for offside.

Joshua Grant - 6

His intial headed clearance caused issues in the Rovers backline which eventually allowed Bodin to score. Had a tough afternoon up against the league leaders.

Connor Taylor - 6

Had his work cut out alongside Grant. A tough afternoon for the young defender, however he battled hard.

Harvey Vale - 7

Was one of Rovers’ better players and more than held his own in his role at left fullback.

Ryan Woods - 6

Had a tough job playing in the pivot against the now league leaders. Did his best in shielding his back four, even when the Gas were a man down.

Lamare Bogarde (subbed off, 58) - 6

Lasted an hour for the Gas, played well in the middle of the park despite the scoreline.

Luke McCormick (subbed off, 58) - 6

Held his own in the midfield against tough opposition in Cameron Brannagan and Marcus McGuane.

Jevani Brown (sent off, 63) - 5

Failed to clearthe initial U’s pressure with his head, which allowed Rodriques to find Bodin for the host’s opener. Was sent off for second bookable defence which was a very soft red card, but made it extremely difficult for his side to get back into the match.

Aaron Collins - 7

Was a real threat down the left-handside for the visitors. He caused all sort of problems for Manning’s side. He finally got his deserved goal, which he took well just before full-time.

Chris Martin (subbed off, 84) - 6

A handful for the hosts due to his arial presence. Was isolated up front for the Gas, especially after the red card in the second half.

Sam Finley (subbed on, 58) - 6

Had a tough job coming on in the second-half, after recently coming back from a minor injury. Tried to dictate the play with 10 men.

Antony Evans (subbed on, 58) - 6

Played well in the final half an hour considering the circumstances and tried to get Rovers playing forward and get back into the game.

Luca Hoole (subbed on, 75) - N/A

Scott Sinclair (subbed on, 84) - N/A