Bristol Rovers required extra-time to progress to the FA Cup second round after a 3-1 victory at home to National League South outfit Weston-super-Mare in a cracking tie.
The non-league visitors made an excellent account of themselves in the opening stages, keeping Rovers quiet with Samuel Avery firing the first shot on target of the game before Bristol City loanee Dylan Kadji tried to take advantage of a mistake from Josh Griffiths, firing well wide.
The Gas started to look more of a threat as the half went on with Connor Taylor denied by a goal line clearance before Weston goalkeeper Max Harris produced an outstanding double save to deny Chris Martin and Scott Sinclair.
Rovers finally broke the Seagulls’ resistance late in the first half as Jamie Lindsay powered home an Isaac Hutchinson cross. However, the non-league visitors started the second half excellently and eventually got their reward as Jordan Bastin tucked home a composed finish in the area.
Matt Taylor’s side had a number of opportunites to retake their lead with Hutchinson blasting wide from close range and substitute Bryant Bilongo firing straight at Harris from close range. However, the League One side had to rely on an outstanding save from Griffiths to deny Reuben Reid a dramatic winner in added time, seeing the tie go to extra-time.
Although it took them until extra-time, Rovers finally flexed their League One muscles as a cross from Luke McCormick was headed home by Connor Taylor before a stunner from Grant Ward sealed the victory.
On an afternoon with some stand out displays and well sub-par others, here’s how we rated Rovers’ performers…
Josh Griffiths – 7
Ended up having a busy afternoon. None of his saves were stand outs but he did what he had to do for the most part until pulling out the best until last, denying Reuben Reid in stoppage time.
Jack Hunt (off for Michael Forbes 65′) – 6
Looked a threat down the right and put in some dangerous deliveries. Not quite sure why he was taken off when he was.
Connor Taylor – 8
Some big clearances in a really awkward game. Weston ended up having a hatful of chances but the defender was on hand to deal with everything that came his way. Ended up getting Rovers out of jail with an extra-time winner, too.
Taylor Moore – 6
Was having a good game before playing a cheap pass to Clinton Mola which allowed a dangerous Weston counter-attack with Griffiths’ eventual save getting the defender out of jail. Also didn’t cover himself in glory with the Seagulls equaliser up against Jordan Bastin.
Clinton Mola – 6
Quiet for his usual standards, especially considering how impressive he was at Reading last weekend at left-back. Should’ve had an assist for a winning goal though, playing a great pass into Isaac Hutchinson who fired wide from close range.
Kamil Conteh – 6
Another player who will walk away from that one knowing he’s capable of much more. Still, largely did what he needed to do in the middle.
Jamie Lindsay (off for Grant Ward 79′) – 7
Another goal for the midfielder who had a decent game in the middle. Those late runs into the box really seem to be working. Three goals already having scored once for Rotherham last term.
Isaac Hutchinson – 7
Assisted Lindsay’s goal and was the Gas’ brightest spark in attack in the second half but should have had a couple of goals to his name. Definitely looks as though he’s turned a corner in a Rovers shirt.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Luke Thomas 73′) – 5
Attempted a number of fancy tricks and flicks but very few paid off. Lively but very little fell for the attacking midfielder.
Scott Sinclair (off for Luke McCormick 79′) – 5
Quiet afternoon for Rovers’ captain who is capable of much more. Admittedly, didn’t look nearly as comfortable on the right as he usually does on the left but you’d expect that to not affect him.
Chris Martin (off for Bryant Bilongo 79′) – 5
Got more service than Tuesday night but still wasn’t at the level the striker would have hoped for. His best opportunity was a header over the bar from close range. Was also guilty of a hospital cross-field pass in the first half that allowed Dylan Kadji a great chance that should have been capitalised on. Evidently still getting back up to speed.
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Substitutes:
Michael Forbes (on 65′) – 7
Introduced himself to the game with an outstanding last-ditch challenge and looked solid throughout.
Luke Thomas (on 73′) – 6
Didn’t make the desired impact when coming on and was guilty of a few poor giveaways. Good cutback for Grant Ward’s winner though.
Grant Ward (on 79′) – 7
Went close to finding the back of the net from distance. Added much-needed fresh legs in the middle, especially for extra-time and secured the victory with a cracking goal.
Luke McCormick (on 79′) – 7
Should’ve had an assist for a Bryant Bilongo winner with a smart header down but created the eventual winner, pulling out an outstanding cross for Taylor to head home at the back-post.
Bryant Bilongo (on 79′) – 6
Deployed up front and should have scored a winner which would have prevented extra-time, firing straight at Harris.