Jed Ward – 6
The Rovers goalkeeper did well in the East Midlands. Ward pulled off a great save late on in the first half to keep the score goalless going into the break. He might be annoyed at his positioning for the goal as the header was directed into the open right hand side of the goal.
Jack Hunt – 6
The 34-year-old was lively following his midweek rest. Hunt made some good interceptions and challenges in the first half and did well on the ball also. With freedom to drift inside, the former Sheffield Wednesday right back instigated play as well as found some good wide spaces on occasion.
James Wilson – 6
Gave away an early foul but did well alongside Taylor. Both prevented balls in behind with key interceptions and recoveries, meaning Northampton had to find their goal via a set piece. They will be disappointed to not have defended the free kick though with Dara Costelloe managing to head home.
Connor Taylor – 6
Matched Dara Costelloe for pace and used his height to his advantage when the ball was pumped forward in the first half. Picked up a slightly harsh booking. Was thrown forward in the dying minutes to try and salvage a point but was ineffective.
Lino Sousa – 6
Sam Hoskins was a handful for the young left back in the first half but Sousa managed to contain him, recovering well when caught slightly out of position on occasion. He grew into the game though and put in some good defensive challenges prior to the two goals conceded.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Jamie Lindsay, 48) – 7
Looked dangerous early on, forcing a good save out of Nik Tzanev in the Cobblers’ net. Helped carry the ball forward, pouncing on a muddle up from the hosts. Was certainly one of the more promising attack-minded players for Rovers before being withdrawn straight after the goal.
Matt Butcher – 6
A quiet one today for the Wycombe Wanderers loanee. Rovers struggled to get to second balls, particularly in the second half and Butcher could not quite get a grasp on things in the middle.
Luke Thomas (off for Michael Reindorf, 81) – 6
Had some bright moments in the first half, a deflected cross almost falling into the path of Sinclair for an early opener. As the game continued into the second period however, play shifted more over to the left hand side of the pitch where Sinclair found more joy and Thomas struggled to influence things.
Isaac Hutchinson – 6
The midfielder found it touch in the first half. He struggled to get his touches to really stick, giving it away in good positions in the opposing half on a couple of occasion. His movement can’t be faulted, though, as he did well to find some good spaces.
Scott Sinclair – 7
After not being found enough in the first half, the veteran winger stamped his mark on the game straight away in the second period, slotting home a lovely finish with his left foot to put the Gas ahead. His experience will be vital as Rovers fight relegation.
Chris Martin – 6
Martin did not have much influence in the first period as Rovers looked to work their way up the pitch and hit on the transition. He had a weak header saved late on in the first half as he tried to link play and defend at set pieces. Martin’s hold-up play is always useful but he tired as the game dragged on and was starved off opportunities.
Substitutes:
Jamie Lindsay – 6
Could not match the attacking influence that Sotiriou had in the first half and struggled to conduct anything from the centre of the park.
Michael Reindorf – 6
Displayed a moment of decent hold-up play and footwork after coming on but it was too little, too late for him to make a real impact.