Josh Griffiths – 8
A first clean sheet since August. The goalkeeper wasn’t forced into any notable saves but his handling was the best it’s been in a Bristol Rovers shirt and he did excellently early doors to smother John Marquis who tried to go around him. Seemingly involved in the controversially disallowed Shrewsbury goal at the end too.
Taylor Moore – 7
In a slightly unorthodox position of right-back in a back-four but plenty to like about the defender’s display. Firm in challenges and tried to get the ball up the pitch where possible. Evidently not his natural position but was largely solid.
James Wilson – 7
A hard-earned clean sheet. Looked solid alongside Connor Taylor and had some great moments.
Connor Taylor – 8
Outstanding for the vast majority of the game and arguably his best performance of the season so far. Seemed to get to everything that came his way and used his physical presence to his advantage. More like it.
Lino Sousa (off for Clinton Mola 54′) – 6
A lot to like about the Aston Villa loanee. Had a bit of a shaky start with players getting in behind a few times but grew into the match and contributed at both ends of the pitch. We’ve said it before and will say it again, there’s real competition on the left with him and Bryant Bilongo…and Clinton Mola too with this formation.
Kamil Conteh – 8
Up there with his best performances this season. Dictated play in the middle and protected the defence well. Tried to get it up the pitch where he could.
Jamie Lindsay (off for Grant Ward 73′) – 8
Makes the headlines with another cracking goal in front of the Thatcher’s End. Something about night games, eh? Really good timing of his run into the box and a cracking finish. Elsewhere, very tidy in the middle of the park but did see himself booked for a very firm challenge within the opening moments of the second half.
Shaq Forde (off for Luke Thomas 90′) – 8
Very rare that a forward gets such a high mark having not scored but, on his first start and out on the right, Forde was electric. Seemingly involved in everything Rovers did in way of an attacking move, the 20-year-old was a major handful for the Shrewsbury defence. Got the assist for Lindsay’s goal and could well have had another as well as a goal of his own. Still not perfect by any means but has to start at Reading.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Luke McCormick 90′) – 6
Was at the heels of his defenders for the majority of the game and had some moments where he looked to thread teammates through. Looked comfortable in the position behind the striker.
Scott Sinclair (off for Bryant Bilongo 73′) – 6
Lively display and seemed to be involved in a lot of what Rovers did well, particularly in the first half. Seems to slot in nicely in this formation with a back-four.
Promise Omochere – 6
Parts to like about his display but other areas to evidently work on. Some really bright moments up front and was unlucky not to score but some sloppy passing at other times too while also getting booked. Some ridiculous comments going around about his recent performances but tonight wouldn’t have helped them.
Substitutes:
Clinton Mola (on 54′) – 6
Early yellow card but made some big interventions.
Grant Ward (on 73′) – 6
Solid all-round when he came on.
Bryant Bilongo (on 73′) – 6
Came on and made an impact. All you can ask for.
Luke McCormick (on 90′) – N/A
Came on too late.
Luke Thomas (on 90′) – N/A
Same as above. Should’ve had a goal with the last kick as he kicked the crossbar.