Bristol Rovers extended their unbeaten run at home to four matches as they survived a late scare to win 3-1 against fellow strugglers Burton Albion in a massive game in League One.
After dealing with a decent start from Burton, Rovers started to grow into the game and soon found the lead as Chris Martin headed a perfect cross from Lino Sousa past Max Crocombe.
The remainder of the first half offered few clear-cut opportunities as the Gas knocked the ball around beautifully at times while the Brewers were direct in their approach, seeing a number of deliveries cleared away by the likes of James Wilson and Connor Taylor.
Burton started the second half the better of the two sides with Jed Ward given his first real work of the afternoon, clearing up a few times before Rovers were incensed that they should have had a penalty when Grant Ward took a tumble in the area. Instead, the midfielder was deemed to have conceded a foul.
The Brewers should have equalised when Udoka Godwin-Malife rifled a low shot narrowly wide of Ward’s far-post but eventually levelled terms as substitute Fabio Tavares headed home from close range in the 82nd minute.
Burton looked the more likely to find the winning goal but the Gas re-discovered their quality and regained the lead five minutes later as Luke Thomas latched onto a knock down from Martin and slotted calmly past Crocombe.
Shaq Forde came close to adding a third from the bench when the Burton goalkeeper came out of his goal before Isaac Hutchinson slotted a brilliant finish with Martin once again the creator.
Here’s how we rated the Bristol Rovers players after a hard-earned 3-1 win at the Mem…
Jed Ward – 7
Didn’t get a clean sheet but was much busier in the second half and made one or two very important saves.
Jack Hunt (off for Sil Swinkels 90+1′) – 8.5
Defensively superb and certainly not bad in attack either. The right-back got his body in the way to make countless key challenges and interceptions, protecting his right flank well while also showing his quality in tight spaces. A few crosses he’ll feel should have had someone at the end of the them.
James Wilson – 8.5
Another monstrous display for, at this moment in time, arguably the favourite for Bristol Rovers player of the season. Commanded his backline superbly well and dealt with the direct, physical threat of Burton excellently. Just a shame about the goal but that thankfully didn’t matter come the end.
Connor Taylor – 8
Same as above. Just an absolute man mountain. As we said on Tuesday night, it’s a really tough gig for either Sil Swinkels or Taylor Moore to get a start at centre-back at the moment.
Lino Sousa – 6.5
A lovely cross for Chris Martin’s goal, earning the left-back his second League One assist. However, the left-back had some real shaky moments defensively.
Matt Butcher – 7.5
Just oozes class at times. Had an excellent first half, knocking the ball around superbly and stepping in to protect his backline where he could. Slightly quieter second half but no doubt the midfielder has been an excellent addition and already there should be queries from the Gas on the chances of signing him permanently in the summer.
Grant Ward (off for Jamie Lindsay 74′) – 7
Very tidy in the middle of the park and, admittedly having not seen a replay, seemingly should have had a penalty for a challenge in the second half. Did go down soon before coming off so hopefully it’s nothing to be concerned about.
Luke Thomas (off for Taylor Moore 90+1′) – 7
The winger actually had a pretty substandard afternoon for his abilities with forward play mostly not being pulled off. However, he took his goal superbly and that no doubt meant a lot. Deserves this run in the team.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Isaac Hutchinson 90+1′) – 6
Very much involved and had some decent moments but also a few occasions where he made the wrong decision. Still having his best spell as a Rovers player though.
Scott Sinclair (off for Shaq Forde 74′) – 5
Quiet game from the winger who came into the team for Isaac Hutchinson. Did some of the nitty gritty in defence but actually offered little in the final third.
Chris Martin – 10
Naturally the goal will define his performance but once again some all-round excellent centre-forward play from the striker who also picked up two assists. Linked up very well, knocking down the ball for Luke Thomas’ goal, and made some important clearances too. Glad to see him back on the scoresheet. A confident Chris Martin is a serious weapon.
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Substitutes:
Shaq Forde (on 74′) – 5
Awkward chance with the lob late but should really have found the target there. Conceded a couple of silly free-kicks that could have ended up being more threatening.
Jamie Lindsay (on 74′) – 7
Great challenge late on and could have had a goal for himself.
Sil Swinkels (on 90+1′) – N/A
Came on late to add solidity to backline at 2-1 up. Finished as a 3-1 winner.
Isaac Hutchinson (on 90+1′) – N/A
Came on late but still had time to add a lovely finish to secure the points.
Taylor Moore (on 90+1′) – N/A
Came on late. Eyes must have lit up when given a ball to chase.