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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings v Sheffield Wednesday: Belshaw brilliant as cool Coburn earns draw

James Belshaw - 9

Made two superb first-half saves, first tipping Josh Windass' 18-yard effort wide of the post before reacting well when James Gibbons turned a cross towards his own goal. Try as he might, he was left with no chance of stopping Michael Smith's powerful header in the final moments of the first period and he fumed at his defence for allowing the cross to come in so easily.

Belshaw produced another fine save to repel Lee Gregory, keeping the Gas in touch and he was rewarded with the equaliser soon after. Kept Rovers level with an acrobatic stop to keep Smith's header out late on.

James Gibbons - 7

Was relieved to see his goalkeeper prevent an own-goal after bundling a cross towards his own net, but Gibbons was otherwise assured and did well to limit the number of crosses coming from the left aimed for Smith.

Bobby Thomas - 8

Showed he is ready for tests like this with a strong first half when he repeatedly got his head on dangerous deliveries into the box. A very good defender in the making.

Lewis Gibson - 8

Perhaps could have been a bit tighter to Smith for the opener, but that was the only blemish. His late clearance from Bannan's cross with Smith lurking was crucial.

Lewis Gordon - 7

Could have shut down George Byers much faster in the build-up to the opener, but he was otherwise excellent on the left flank.

Sam Finley (c) - 8

A real asset on nights like this, bringing a bit of everything for Barton's Gas. Constantly composed, both on and off the ball. Another captain's performance to add to a growing list.

Jordan Rossiter - 8

The legs Rovers needed in the centre of the park. Contributed in attack and defence, and on another day his through ball for Harry Anderson could have led to a goal, a penalty, a red card or all of the above.

Antony Evans - 8

A nice blend of class and crunch in the middle of the park. Got stuck into his work off the ball and he moved it with purpose when he had the chance in possession.

Aaron Collins - 8

A constant threat in behind the back three, but will be so disappointed he did not get the Gas off to a flying start, shooting too close to David Stockdale in the fifth minute after he combined with Loft to force a mistake. In true Collins fashion, he atoned with an inspired dummy that unlocked the defence for the equaliser. Could have won it at the death but he was denied by a fine save deep into stoppage time.

Ryan Loft - 7

The in-form striker was limited to just 30 minutes due to injury and his manager will be desperate for good news from the medical staff. In his brief time on the pitch, Loft harrassed the back three and his graft forced an error and a gilt-edged chance for Collins to put the Gas ahead.

Josh Coburn - 8

With Loft forced off, he became the primary target for most of the direct balls forward and the teenager was comfortable with that responsibility.

He was unlucky to be denied by an excellent save from Stockdale in the first half, though the referee somehow gave a goal kick, but the keeper could do nothing about Coburn's leveller in the second half. The Middlesbrough loanee finished in style, dinking the ball over Stockdale to send the away end wild.

Substitutes

Harry Anderson (for Loft on 30') - 8

A valuable shift, dovetailing with Collins to add a threat in behind. Had to be replaced late on.

Scott Sinclair (for Coburn on 81') - 7

Got the Gas upfield.

Luke McCormick (for Anderson on 87') - 8

Brought a level of command at the death, meaning it was the Gas pushing for the winner, not the hosts.

Subs not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Luca Hoole, James Connolly, Trevor Clarke.

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