Josh Griffiths – 7.5
Made one of his best saves in a Bristol Rovers shirt late in the first half which is some statement, denying Harvey Knibbs from a one-on-one scenario. A couple of other stops that you would expect him to make too.
Taylor Moore – 8
Considering he was playing out of position at right-back, the defender looks composed. Some really strong defensive moments and wasn’t afraid to carry the ball up the pitch deep into Reading’s half.
Connor Taylor – 8
One of his best performances in recent memory and so unlucky to be on the losing side. Bar one slip in the first half that almost proved costly, the defender had a response to everything that came his way. 100 appearances now for the Gas.
James Wilson – 8
Also excellent. Won countless duels and got Rovers and teammates out of some sticky spots. One of his best displays this season also which is odd to say considering the Gas lost the game.
Clinton Mola – 8
Made his return to RG2 clearly looking to make an impression on his old home fans. Defensively very good and was not afraid to get involved at the other end of the pitch, playing in his preferred position of left-back. Saw Rovers’ best chance of the second half fall to him, forcing a good save from Joel Pereira which would have created a fascinating narrative for the 10-man Gas.
Kamil Conteh – 7
Tidy midfield performance on the back of an outstanding display on Tuesday.
Grant Ward (off for Jamie Lindsay 67′) – 6
A few occasions in the first half where he had to be let out of jail by a teammate behind him, as was the case for a few other players. Some nice moments in the middle but not a standout display considering his standards.
Shaq Forde (red card 55′) – 4
One of the Gas’ most dangerous-looking forwards but he let himself down massively with the sending off. Both came from losing his head in the moment it seems. First half, dragging his man down when he was never getting to the ball and second half, for kicking the ball away when a foul went against him. Seriously poor, he’ll have to learn from that quickly.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Jack Hunt 60′) – 6
Rovers’ best chance of the first half fell to the forward whose effort when narrowly wide from an angle that looked to be closing quickly on the 24-year-old. Lively first half but was taken off after an hour following the red card in order to bring on another defender in Jack Hunt.
Scott Sinclair (off for Bryant Bilongo 67′) – 6
Somewhat quiet compared to recent performances. Could have used his attacking quality in the latter stages as Rovers pushed.
Promise Omochere (off for Isaac Hutchinson 41′) – 5
Really frustrating first half for the striker which ended in him coming off with an injury. Was booked for what was deemed a strong challenge just outside his own penalty area but also won a number of balls legally, including in-and-around Reading’s penalty area. Most frustrating moment was when he won two headers to almost put himself through one-on-one before the third was too heavy and saw the ball fall to the nearest Reading player tracking back. The injury didn’t look good either.
Substitutions
Isaac Hutchinson (on 41′) – 6.5
Some lovely deliveries into the area as the Gas pushed for the equaliser. No doubt will start at least one of these cup games.
Jack Hunt (on 60′) – 7
Played a huge role in Rovers’ response to going behind. Brilliant offensively down the right.
Bryant Bilongo (on 67′) – 6.5
So unlucky not to score. Made himself a real handful up front.
Jamie Lindsay (on 67′) – 7
Also unlucky not to score the rebound from Mola’s effort. Made a huge impact after coming on.