Bristol Rovers were knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage by East Anglian opposition for the second consecutive year after a 3-0 defeat at Premier League side Ipswich Town.
First half goals from Kalvin Phillips, Jack Clarke and Jack Taylor did enough to ensure victory for the hosts while Ruel Sotiriou had Rovers’ only shot on target after a mistake from Arijanet Muric who then denied the forward with his foot.
An improved second half display from the Gas still amounted to very little while Ipswich could have added further goals with their best chance coming from the penalty spot after Ali Al-Hamadi blasted wide following a handball from Grant Ward in the area.
Ultimately, Rovers came up against much better players this afternoon but there will be some disappointment that they made it as easy as they did for their Premier League hosts. Here’s how we rated the players on the day…
Josh Griffiths – 6
Never a good day when you’ve conceded three goals but, in the end, wasn’t forced into that many saves with a late touch on an effort from George Hirst in a one-on-one position arguably the best. A few good catches from aerials.
Taylor Moore – 6
Similarly to Griffiths, never a good day when you’ve conceded three but the makeshift right-back certainly helped ensure the deficit wasn’t even more damaging.
Connor Taylor (off for Joel Senior 86′) – 6
Like Moore, helped ensure the scoreline didn’t become a battering with some crucial blocks and interceptions. Unlucky to see the second goal go in after a brilliant block on Al-Hamadi.
James Wilson – 6
Like his fellow defenders. A few shaky moments but equally without some interventions the score could have been more dentrimental.
Lino Sousa – 5
Some decent blocks but the young left-back will have learned a lot from today’s experience. However, for the second time in three games the teenager has seen an individual error lead to a goal against.
Romaine Sawyers (off for Jamie Lindsay 74′) – 6
An extremely difficult debut in terms of opposition but one of the few players in green that demonstrated clear quality. Often sotted just ahead of the back-line and tried to get Rovers on their way from deep. Also didn’t shy away from roaming forward at times. Should prove to be a worthwhile addition.
Grant Ward – 5.5
The midfielder produced a couple of nice touches in the middle and a rare Rovers shot but was guilty of a clear handball in the penalty area. Admittedly, not quite sure where his arm could have gone in the moment but the rules are the rules.
Shaq Forde (off for Luke Thomas 68′) – 5
Arguably fortunate score. At times, an extremely frustrating performance from the forward who seemingly had numerous opportunities to press his nearest man but didn’t. Whether that was down to a lack of effort or instructional I’m not sure but it certainly was a quiet day for a player who is capable of much better, even against notably higher calibre players.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Isaac Hutchinson 74′) – 5
Will be frustrated that he didn’t score a consolation goal before half-time after being handed a gift by Arijanet Muric. If we’re nit-picking, the forward could have done more to make an effort to close down Kalvin Phillips for the opening goal.
Scott Sinclair – 5
Rarely had the ball and when he did it was often in his own half. Quiet afternoon but wasn’t the only forward for whom that was the case.
Chris Martin (off for Gatlin O’Donkor 68′) – 6
Hardly got a sniff in an attacking sense but regularly got his head to Ipswich corners to help his team’s defensive effort. Likely came off to save the striker with the game already done.
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Substitutes:
Luke Thomas (on 68′) – 5
Floated around a bit but didn’t affect the game at all.
Gatlin O’Donkor (on 68′) – 5
Same as above.
Isaac Hutchinson (on 74′) – 6
Put in a decent cross.
Jamie Lindsay (on 74′) – 6
Didn’t have much to do.
Joel Senior (on 86′) – N/A
Came on late.