James Belshaw - 8
If Sam Smith's fifth-minute header was an inch or two closer to the keeper's grasp, he might have had a chance of keeping it out but the placement was so perfect that it snuck inside the far post. From that moment, the hosts were buoyed and the afternoon briefly threatened to spiral out of control, but Belshaw made a crucial reaction save to deny a second Smith header moments later. Cambridge applied the pressure after the break, but clear chances were few and far between meaning Belshaw was reduced to mopping up. That first-half save proved to be crucial.
Bobby Thomas - 8
A pivotal part of Rovers' attempts to play out from defence, and that proved invaluable in the lead-up to the second goal. He charged out and forced the ball into Coburn's feet despite being fouled, and that set the ball in motion for a fine team goal. Defended stoutly, too, with several important clearing headers from dangerous deliveries.
James Connolly - 7
Rovers' defence were caught cold by a brilliant cross and header early doors, but Connolly and his teammates settled down and stood firm despite Cambridge's desperate attempts in search of a leveller.
James Gibbons - 7
Played left centre-half several times for previous club Port Vale, but this was the first time he's done the job for Rovers. Grew into the contest and it ended up being a very solid afternoon for the 24-year-old. Finished off at wing-back when Barton moved Hoole inside for more height to deal with deliveries into the area.
Luca Hoole - 8
Rarely as the youngster played as a wing-back for Rovers, and part of his brief was to get forward and deliver into the box. He did precisely that – and with fine quality – taking Coburn's through ball in stride and delivering an excellent cross that was swept home by Sinclair to put the Gas in front. Defended impressively, to boot.
Paul Coutts (c) - 7
Managed the game to good effect, particularly late on when he stuck the ball in the right areas to alleviate spells of pressure.
Sam Finley - 7
Not always at the forefront of the action in possession, but he was as tenacious as ever without the ball, snuffing out several possible attacks at source. Linked well with Coutts in key moments to play Rovers out of trouble.
Scott Sinclair - 8
Despite playing as a wing-back for much of his second spell with the club, he continues to affect the game in the opposition's box and he scored his fourth goal of the season with a very tidy finish. Hoole provided an excellent cross from the right and the experienced Sinclair finished the chance with poise when it would have been easy to snatch at it. The subtleties he brings are so important, too. He knows exactly when to slow things down or up the tempo. Classy player.
Aaron Collins - 8
A rare afternoon without a goal contribution on the stats sheet, but arguably man of the match nonetheless. He won't get the credit for the assist, but the Welshman was the architect of Rovers' equaliser, showing speed and strength to hold off a challenge before playing in Coburn, who scored at the second attempt. A sense of panic gripped the Cambridge defenders when he had the ball, and the impact that has on his teammates and the space they benefit from is huge. Perhaps would have got a goal if he was allowed to play on when Steve Seddon suffered a head injury, with the game correctly being halted by the letter of the law.
Ryan Loft - 6
Played an under-the-radar role in unsettling a Cambridge defence that never looked comfortable with his physicality. He ought to have taken better care of the ball, but he still offered a problematic presence until he was withdrawn after the hour.
Josh Coburn - 8
A nightmarish match-up for the Cambridge defence with his ability to drop short or race in behind, with each respective skill on display for each goal respectively. For the equaliser, he stormed in behind to catch up with Collins' through ball. His finished lacked the quality we have become accustomed to seeing from the Teessider, but he got a second bite at it and nodded it in. His involvement in the second goal was pure class, dropping short and knifing a through ball between the defence for Hoole to chase. Could have had a brace for himself with a headed chance grazing his fringe, but a strong performance nonetheless.
Substitutes
John Marquis (for Loft on 64') - 7
Was effective in his hold-up play when he was introduced from the bench. Used all his nous to bleed the clock to great effect.
Antony Evans (for Collins on 79') - 7
Played the percentages well.
Lewis Gordon (for Sinclair on 79') - 7
Liam Bennett looked likely at times, but Gordon shut him down with authority.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Glenn Whelan, Luke McCormick, Harvey Saunders.
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