Bristol Rovers fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Blackpool on a cold evening that saw the Gas’ attacking capabilities seemingly freeze up.
The hosts started the much better side but their best opportunity led to a saved header from Shaq Forde with the rebound almost turned in by an offside Chris Martin.
Blackpool then started to see the momentum shift in their favour with Josh Griffiths pulling out a good save to deny Dom Ballard in the penalty area before a free-kick was headed into his own goal by Bryant Bilongo midway through the first half.
A header over the bar from Luke McCormick within the first minute of the second half following a good move suggested that Rovers would crank up the pressure as they sought an equaliser but a handball from James Wilson in the penalty area gifted the Tangerines a penalty kick which was superbly converted by Lee Evans.
The Gas struggled to create anything of note as they looked to try and get themselves back into the game and fell to defeat.
Here’s how we rated the Rovers players on a tough night at the Mem…
Josh Griffiths – 6.5
One or two saves that might make the end of season highlight reel, although the second was after a rebound from a shot he spilled. Couldn’t have done anything about the penalty.
Taylor Moore – 6
Will be frustrated with some of his forward balls. A good few that were nearly brilliant but didn’t quite reach the intended target. Had a couple of good clean up coments defensively.
Connor Taylor – 7
Some big blocks in the penalty area once again as well as vital interceptions. Not much wrong with the centre-back’s display but finds himself on the losing side.
James Wilson – 5
Played a part in both goals but from open play he generally defended well. The free-kick decision that led to Blackpool’s first goal seemed controversial in the moment but the handball for the penalty was clear as day.
Bryant Bilongo (off for Clinton Mola 61′) – 4.5
Was brilliant just over a week ago against Crawley which is the standard the left-back has set for himself. He was far off that tonight. Own goals happen and at the time of writing there’s still some doubt as to whether or not he got the final touch for Blackpool’s first goal. Skipped past on a couple of occasions and misplaced some passes too. Some decent bits of skill in there too.
Kamil Conteh – 7
Still not sure why the midfielder got a yellow card. Arguably the Gas’ best player of the night. Was very much their metronome as he tried to get any dangerous moves going. Definitely up there with their most consistent performers of the season so far.
Jamie Lindsay (off for Grant Ward 67′) – 6
Has played better in a Rovers shirt. Pressed well but few if any stand out moments with the ball.
Shaq Forde – 5
Possibly harsh but way under par tonight. Should’ve done better with the header that was saved at 0-0 and was wasteful on too many occasions. Some nice moments but just a frustrating display because of how much better he can play.
Luke McCormick (off for Luke Thomas 67′) – 6
One of few who looked like they could force something of note for the hosts. Should have done better with his headed chance early in the second half but was unlucky to come off.
Isaac Hutchinson (off for Scott Sinclair 61′) – 6
Was much better at Mansfield but still also looked like one of the few players who could carve out the breakthrough for Rovers. Some nice shimmies in the area and one particularly excellent pass in the first half that just missed Luke McCormick in the penalty area.
Chris Martin (off for Gatlin O’Donkor 61′) – 5
Had a few nice link up moments with McCormick but still not getting the service he’d like. Admittedly should’ve scored a rebounded effort but was flagged offside anyway.
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Substitutes:
Clinton Mola (on 61′) – 6
Didn’t concede after coming on but didn’t have too much to do.
Scott Sinclair (on 61′) – 5
Didn’t make the desired impact.
Gatlin O’Donkor (on 61′) – 5
Same as above. Just didn’t get the sniff at goal he would have wanted until deep into added time.
Grant Ward (on 67′) – 5
Shot over the bar but protected the defence.
Luke Thomas (on 67′) – 5
Added freshness to the attack but made very little impact.