Bristol Rovers held on to secure a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Mansfield Town at the One Call Stadium thanks to a goal from Luke McCormick early in the second half.
The Gas had to work hard for their eventual clean sheet from the off, riding an early storm of corners but everything the Stags threw at them they were able to find a response to.
That gave them a platform to build from in the second half and build they did as McCormick, who had buzzed around the Mansfield defence all first half, tapped home a straightforward goal from close range after being picked out by a peach of a pass from Isaac Hutchinson.
Mansfield cranked up the pressure for the remainder of the second period but the Gas defended superbly. However, it did look as though they had lost two points with the final kick of the game as the ball was slammed home but the referee blew for a handball in the area.
A number of excellent performances in there from a Gas persuasion. Here’s how we rated Matt Taylor’s men…
Josh Griffiths – 7
Not forced into too much action but made a good save in the second half and was very good catching balls to extinguish any danger.
Taylor Moore – 7
Some big blocks and clearances, contributing to a hard-earned clean sheet.
Connor Taylor – 8
Matt Taylor said that this is the best he’s seen the defender play pre-match and I think this performance certainly proves that he’s in the best form he’s been in in a Rovers shirt in League One. Had a response to everything Mansfield threw at him and seems to have mastered the dark arts, earning a few breaks in play.
James Wilson – 8
Once again, just very, very good at keeping the ball out of his own net. Blocks, clearances, interceptions – you name it.
Clinton Mola – 7
Very good defensive performance. Got in the way on countless occasions.
Kamil Conteh – 7
Saw two shots blocked in the first half as the midfielder looks to make improvements in the final third. Defensively excellent though. Just very good at doing the nitty gritty effectively.
Jamie Lindsay – 7
Tidied up nicely and made some vital blocks as Mansfield tried to grab hold of a lead in the final stages of the first half. Played a huge part in seeing the game out for the visitors too.
Shaq Forde (off for Scott Sinclair 90′) – 6
Not at his best but drew two cynical challenges that got yellow cards so was still a notable threat.
Luke McCormick (off for Grant Ward 84′) – 8
Brilliant, just brilliant. Worked tirelessly for the cause throughout, especially in the first half when trying to close down his nearest man. Then, having huffed and puffed throughout the first period, he had a straightforward tap in for a deserved goal. The forward has been excellent since coming into the side.
Isaac Hutchinson (off for Michael Forbes 90′) – 8
Up there with his best performances in a Rovers shirt, possibly his best considering it was a League One game. Seemed to orchestrate everything the Gas did in the final third, getting the assist for McCormick’s goal with a cracking pass across goal. Also chipped in defensively.
Chris Martin (off for Gatlin O’Donkor 84′) – 6
Better performance from the front man, possibly his best since returning from injury. A few nice link up moments and looked more dangerous. Still waiting for the perfect chance but he wasn’t far from some deliveries. Surprised he lasted as long as he did and there may be an injury as a result.
Substitutes:
Gatlin O’Donkor (on 84′) – N/A
Came on too late but should’ve had an assist.
Grant Ward (on 84′) – N/A
Came on late.
Scott Sinclair (on 90′) – N/A
See above.
Michael Forbes (on 90′) – N/A
See above.