‘Point to prove, bright throughout’ - Bristol Rovers player ratings in MK Dons win

Bristol Rovers are through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Trophy having seen off managerless MK Dons 4-1 at the Memorial Stadium.

Luca Hoole opened the scoring in the 33rd-minute and in the second-half John Marquis scored a 12-minute brace to run home the Gas advantage. Harvey Saunders added a fourth for Rovers, but the Dons pulled one back as Mohamed Eisa scored from the spot, with Alfie Kilgour receiving a red card.

A gloss off of Rovers’ evening was both Aaron Collins and Jordan Rossiter being substituted in the first-half. Collins - the most creative player in the Football League was substituted for Josh Coburn, whilst Paul Coutts replaced Rossiter who was captain for the evening.

The Gas almost opened the scoring early on after a flowing passing move. Luke McCormick found  Lewis Gordon who played a great ball across the box. It would’ve been harder to miss than score but Aaron Collins got it all wrong and sliced the ball to the wrong side of the post from virtually on the goal line, injuring himself in the process.

The scoring was opened on the half-hour mark after Jordan Rossiter picked up the ball after a corner, beat his man and floated in a cross that was begging to be poked home. Luca Hoole obliged and despite him facing away from the ball headed home.

There were more injury concerns for Joey Barton’s side however, after Rossiter went down off the ball and was substituted just before the break.

It was two shortly after the break after a good ball across the box by Evans was missed by Coburn, only for John Marquis to sweep home at the back post.

After more Rovers domination, Marquis had his second of the game with just over 20 to go. Josh Coburn flicked on a Anssi Jaakkola clearance and the striker finished confidently into the corner

Minutes later it was four with the Gas making their domination count, McCormick played a floated ball into the box and Harvey Saunders volleyed home, seconds after coming onto the pitch.

The away side had one back however, with Mo Eisa scoring from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Alfie Kilgour, with the Rovers man being shown the red card just nine minutes after being brought onto the pitch.

Player ratings

Anssi Jaakkola - 7

Other than being sent the wrong way by Mo Eisa from the penalty spot, the Fin had almost nothing to do.

Luca Hoole - 8

A great no-look header to open the scoring in the first half and had little to do defensively against a poor MK Dons attacking side.

James Connolly - 7

Was tested aerially and passed with flying colours.

Bobby Thomas - 7 (Kilgour 68’)

Shut experienced striker Will Grigg out of the game in what was an easy game for the Burnley loanee.

Lewis Gordon - 7 (Sinclair 68’)

Looked to be too much for his man going forward, and provided an invaluable option on the left hand side when the Gas were attacking, as well as excelling defensively against a tricky Matt Smith.

James Gibbons - 7

As his side dominated, Gibbons was seen as more of a winger than a wing-back, and found Evans down the right-hand side for his side’s second.

Jordan Rossiter - 7 (Coutts 43’)

Captaining the side for the first time, beat his man off the back of a corner and played in a gift-wrapped cross for Hoole to head home from in the first half. After a great first half performance was substituted for Paul Coutts on the verge of the half-time whistle after going down off the ball.

Luke McCormick - 8

The midfielder played like he had a point to prove, and was lively inside the first half regularly taking on players and getting his side up the pitch. Played a great cross into Saunders for his side’s fourth and was energetic and bright throughout.

Anthony Evans - 7

Set piece deliveries looked to trouble MK whenever they were swung into the box, and played a great ball across the box for Marquis to tap in alone at the back post.

John Marquis - 8

Had the ball in the back of the net in the first half, however strayed offside when McCormick’s blocked shot landed at his feet. Was in the right place at the right time to tap home

Aaron Collins -  N/A (Josh Coburn 10’)

Concerns for Collins after the striker seemed to injure himself while going for goal early on. After spending a long time on the ground, he was substituted for Josh Coburn.

Josh Coburn - 8 (Saunders 68’)

Was a threat throughout running in behind the Dons defence, flicked the ball onto Marquis to set up his strike partner’s second of the game.

Paul Coutts - 7

Took over Rossiter’s role of the defensive midfielder, and allowed McCormick and Evans to create further up the pitch.

Alfie Kilgour - 5

Was sent off rather harshly just ten minutes after coming onto the pitch after a tangle in the box with Mo Eisa, in a moment to forget for the centre back.

Harvey Saunders - 7

Just seconds after coming onto the pitch found himself volleying into the bottom corner, latching on from a great ball from McCormick and extending his side’s lead.

Scott Sinclair - 6

Had a good feature off the bench for the last 20, ending the game as Marquis’ strike partner.