Port Vale 1-3 Bristol Rovers: Player ratings & man of the match as Gas claim huge win over promotion rival

Bristol Rovers strengthened their automatic promotion hopes as they came from behind to defeat rivals Port Vale 3-1 at Vale Park.

The Gas had their loanees to thank as Elliot Anderson and James Connolly issued the perfect response to falling behind to Jamie Proctor’s first minute goal. Substitute Ryan Loft in stoppage time then netted his first goal since his January move to secure the points.

Joey Barton’s side remain fifth in League Two but are just two points off of an automatic spot with nine points left to play for. They remain four points above eight place as they hope to at least secure a playoff spot.

Tale of the match

Rovers got off to the worst possible start as they conceded with the first attempt on goal. Harry Charsley’s shot got into the path of Proctor to chest home into an empty net.

It was a nervy start for the visitors and they put in a rash number of challenges, including a caution for Connor Taylor to deny Proctor a goal-scoring opportunity.

Those nerves were settled though when Rovers scored with their first meaningful chance. Paul Coutts played a delightful ball to Elliot Anderson to break in on the left and fire it under Aidan Stone for his sixth goal of his loan.

Anderson’s equaliser gave them newfound confidence as Antony Evans’ looping header ended up just on the roof of the goal.

From a goal down, Rovers turned the game on its head and went in front. Evans’ long searching pass found Connolly that guided it home with the faintest of touches.

In what was a frantic first half where both sides played to a high intensity, the away side did enough to take their advantage into the dressing room, nullifying the Vale attack.

For a long period in the second half, the match was being decided in the middle of the park with Rovers carefully managing their lead.

Against the run-of-play, substitute Dan Jones stretched a shot just past the onrushing Belshaw in a warning sign from the hosts.

There were a few late opportunities to add to their one goal lead but Elliot Anderson’s free-kick was well saved by Stone who was carrying a knock.

The game was then wrapped up by Rovers as Finley played a through ball to Loft and he snuck his shot past the onrushing goalkeeper to net his first goal for the club and earn a vital three points.

Heroes

Elliot Anderson: Once again the teenage sensation does it again for the Gas. Another key moment in his successful loan spell, six goals and three assists in the quarters now.

Paul Coutts: In a game of this magnitude, there was a need for leadership in the park and the Scot did just that. Great assist for Anderson’s equaliser.

James Connolly: Great performance from the on-loan Cardiff City man. Perhaps his best performance. First goal in senior football and made some telling blocks.

Ryan Loft: What a moment for the substitute. Endured a difficult time since joining but showed his composure to score the third goal. Could be the kick start he needs to become a big part in Rovers’ season.

Villains

The ticketing situation: A lack of decision on the ticketing situation made travelling to the ground difficult for some. At first there wouldn’t be pay-on-the-day for this match and then there was. The situation then changed to fans having to prove they had a Bristol address to avoid home fans going in the away end.

The officials: There was a heart in mouth moment when the referee lectured Elliot Anderson for an off the ball incident with Nathan Smith. Craig Hicks was in charge in the corresponding fixture when he sent off Sam Finley. Booked Harry Anderson for protesting against a wrong decision by the linesman. Also a moment where he could have played advantage for Aaron Collins.

Player ratings

Port Vale (3-4-1-2): Aidan Stone 5, Connor Hall 6, Nathan Smith 5 Aaron Martin 6; David Worrall 6 (Ryan Edmondson, 73), Harry Charsley 6 (Kian Harratt, 71), Jake Taylor 6 (Dan Jones, 62), Mal Benning 6; Ben Garrity ; James Wilson 6, Jamie Proctor 7.

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw 6, Luca Hoole 7, Connor Taylor 7, James Connolly 8, Josh Grant 6; Paul Coutts 8 (Glenn Whelan, 6;87), Sam Finley 7; Elliot Anderson 8, Antony Evans 7 (Nick Anderton, 6;82), Harry Anderson 6, Aaron Collins 6 (Ryan Loft, 7;82).

Man of the Match

Paul Coutts. Commanded the centre of the park well in the second-half after Rovers had a lead in the first period.

What’s next?

It’s back to the Memorial Stadium for Bristol Rovers as they welcome league leaders Forest Green Rovers.

For Port Vale, they are on the road as they travel to the Midlands to face Michael Flynn’s Walsall at the Bescot Stadium.