Bristol Rovers fell to a rare home defeat to Rotherham United, conceding in added time as their advantage above the League One relegation zone was cut to just two points.
The Gas made a dream start as Ruel Sotiriou found the back of the net from a tight angle within just five minutes but struggled to maintain control for the remainder of the half.
After a couple of chances, Rotherham found a deserved equaliser as Sam Nombe tapped home from a yard out before the interval before another former Exeter City man in Zak Jules gave the visitors the lead early in the second half.
A triple substitution just after the hour mark injected some much-need life back into the Gas who eventually found their equaliser as substitute Luke Thomas whipped a dangerous ball into the area for Sil Swinkels to head home.
Inigo Calderon’s side looked the more likely to go and win the game but Rovers failed to deal with a delivery into the box in added time, allowing Nombe to score his second of the game and a sickening winner for the visitors.
Here’s how we rated the players on a disappointing afternoon for the Gas…
Jed Ward – 6.5
Made two stand out saves either side of half-time and commanded his area well. There may be some question marks over the third goal but looked a good save initially having not yet seen a replay.
Jack Hunt – 7
Managed his side well despite the result. One of Rovers’ better players in a disappointing first half as a collective, making an important block on a Jonson Clarke-Harris effort, and also looked a handful after the formation change as a wing-back.
James Wilson – 6.5
Has had better performances lately but still largely did what was required of him. Stood firm for the most part but will be extremely frustrated to concede three goals.
Sil Swinkels – 7
Can be pleased with his display on his first start for Bristol Rovers. Read the game well and made some important interceptions and blocks, particularly in the first half. Then propped up with his second goal for the Gas. Really disappointing that it wasn’t enough to get Rovers a point at the very least.
Lino Sousa (off for Promise Omochere 62′) – 6
Certainly getting better at blocking crosses. Some important defending down the flank in the first half but was sacrificed after an hour for a formation change when Rovers were really struggling.
Matt Butcher – 5.5
Uncharacteristically underwhelming. Too many giveaways and found himself booked late on. Improved after the formation change and still looked like he could produce a ball of enough quality to unlock the Rotherham defence. Hopefully a rare off day.
Grant Ward (off for Luke Thomas 62′) – 5.5
Good to have the midfielder back back is certainly capable of better. Certainly a chance that he was possibly slightly rushed back into the starting line up. Just didn’t dictate the tempo as he usually does.
Scott Sinclair (off for Taylor Moore 62′) – 5.5
Struggled to get much of a sniff. Could have finished off a brilliant move in the first half but Ruel Sotiriou’s pass was slightly too heavy. Often looks less of a threat on the right than the left.
Isaac Hutchinson – 6
Some decent moments and looked like he could create something when with the ball but will also be frustrated with some cheap giveaways.
Ruel Sotiriou – 8
One of a number of players who is playing with renewed confidence under Inigo Calderon. Took his goal superbly well and consistently looked a threat while Rovers were struggling for control of the game. Unlucky not to get a second.
Chris Martin – 6
Had absolutely no help from the referee but looked isolated up top until Promise Omochere came on. Not enough service.
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Substitutes:
Promise Omochere (on 62′) – 6
A real handful when he came on but didn’t look quite sharp enough. It will probably take him a few games to get fully up to speed.
Taylor Moore (on 62′) – 7
A good half-hour display. Put in a few dangerous crosses and looked pretty solid.
Luke Thomas (on 62′) – 6.5
Excellent cross for Swinkels’ equaliser but an unecessary free-kick to give away that led to the winning goal. Still, as a collective Rovers should have done better to defend it.