Bristol Rovers required an outstanding defensive effort as well as an inspired goalkeeping display from Josh Griffiths to progress to the FA Cup third round on penalties after a gruelling, goalless 120 minutes.
Rovers had two good opportunities to take an early lead as Gatlin O’Donkor hit the post and Shaq Forde saw an effort slapped away by Barnsley goalkeeper Ben Killip.
The hosts then grew into the game with Josh Griffiths tested on a couple of occasions, denying Stephen Humphrys and Kelechi Nwakali with the former later hitting the post just before half-time.
Barnsley came out for the second half with the same momentum that they had built up from the latter stages of the first as the Reds struck the crossbar before Griffiths produced a superb save to deny Humphrys after a cheap giveaway in the middle from Jamie Lindsay.
The hosts continued to pepper their visitors’ goal with the Gas’ goalkeeper making a number of further saves with his best denying substitute Fabio Jalo from close range.
A mixture of defensive resilience and pure brilliance from their ‘keeper saw Rovers hang on by their fingernails to see the tie go into extra-time.
Substitute Sam Cosgrove was the latest player to test Griffiths early in the first half of extra-time while Josh Earl was also denied with an outstretched palm before the Gas started to rediscover some quality.
A Phillips header onto the roof of the net from a Barry Cotter cross was the best opportunity of the second half of extra-time as the tie ended up being decided on penalties.
The Gas progressed as Chris Martin, Ruel Sotiriou, Scott Sinclair and Shaq Forde scored their penalties while Adam Phillips hit the bar and Griffiths denied Josh Ear to clinch progression.
Josh Griffiths – 10
Very, very rarely do players get full marks but without the on-loan goalkeeper Rovers wouldn’t have made it through to extra-time. Save after save after save, Griffiths was unstoppable and then made the decisive stop in the shootout.
Joel Senior (off for James Wilson 46′) – 7
Considering it was his first appearance back after three months, the right-back can be very pleased with his display. Put in some good blocks and challenges and had a few silky moments on the ball.
Taylor Moore – 8
Outstanding first half and still put in a great shift in the second, playing out at right-back. It seems pretty clear that the defender is much more comfortable in his natural position but the amount of times he got his head or a leg to deliveries into the area was superb.
Michael Forbes – 8
Considering how little football the West Ham loanee has played in a Rovers shirt, he was absolutely excellent. Read the game maturely and was responsible for a number of crunching tackles, smart interceptions and vital clearances and blocks.
Clinton Mola – 8
Outstanding defending his own penalty area and had some flirtations of decent attacking moments too. We’re still looking for a bit more from the left-back in an offensive capacity but some of the tackles he made this afternoon were outrageously good.
Kamil Conteh (off for Scott Sinclair 116′) – 7
Solid in the middle as usual, protecting the defence and getting clerances away. Did well to last as long as he did.
Jamie Lindsay (off for Grant Ward 66′) – 5
Poor mistake early in the second half to give the ball to Adam Phillips with Griffiths then making a superb save to deny Humphrys. Definitely enough of a case to argue he was feeling a bit fatigued after so much football lately.
Shaq Forde – 7
A real livewire on the ball. Forced a good save early on which ended up being Rovers’ only shot on target. Deserves real credit for playing the full 120 minutes and then scoring his penalty.
Luke McCormick – 6
Must have been so frustrated. So many times the attacking midfielder got himself into a good position for a pass which either never came or wasn’t executed to liking. His usual, lively self but didn’t get the ball in the areas he would have liked. Credit for winning the toss though.
Isaac Hutchinson (off for Ruel Sotiriou 60′) – 5
Didn’t quite offer the attacking contribution he would have liked but was at the end of some important clearances when defending set-pieces.
Gatlin O’Donkor (off for Chris Martin 60′) – 6.5
Superb hold up play at times and should have had a goal early on, striking the post. Still so much more to come from the young striker but that was an encouraging performance.
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Substitutes:
James Wilson (on 46′) – 8
Monstrous display at the back to keep Barnsley out.
Ruel Sotiriou (on 60′) – 6
Disappointing performance with so many frustrating moments but took his penalty excellently.
Chris Martin (on 60′) – 7
Scored his penalty but in the game made himself a real nuisance. Just still waiting for that stand out chance.
Grant Ward (on 66′) – 7
Excellent on the ball and linked up with his teammates nicely. Real engine as the game reached 120 minutes.
Scott Sinclair (on 116′) – N/A
Came on to take a penalty and scored. Perfect performance really.