Anssi Jaakkola - 6
Had a quiet night, with no shots on target to deal with. Was relieved to see the unmarked Samson Tovide head wide in the first half, and the Finn made a brave claim under pressure from a tantalising cross to ease a moment of pressure on the verge of the interval. Forced off injured with 23 minutes to play.
James Gibbons - 7
A steady performance, spending time at both right-back and left-back. Produced a decisive moment in the latter position, buying a yard of space with a bit of trickery, and his cross was not dealt with by Kieran O'Hara, allowing substitute Saunders to stab home the winner.
Bobby Thomas - 7
Defended with authority when Colchester fired the ball forward and he almost added another goal to his already impressive collection of three. Instead, he had to settle for an assist, with his defensive partner nudging the ball home from close range as Thomas' header bounced towards the far corner. Was a little rash rushing out to try to head clear in the build-up to the equaliser, but that was a minor mistake on a solid evening.
James Connolly - 7
His manager urged him to take fewer touches off the ball in the first half, with Barton demanding more tempo in Rovers' build-up play. Put Rovers ahead with a predatory close-range finish and showed nous to push Freddie Sears wide when he was through on goal, but Connolly was unlucky to have a tame shot from Sears minutes later deflect off his calf, leaving Belshaw with no chance.
Trevor Clarke - 7
A solid performance from the left-back. Had few moments to cause him concern defensively and he got forward often. Valuable minutes under his belt as he vies to displace Lewis Gordon for the first-choice spot on the left of the defence.
Sam Finley (c) - 7
The captain was required with both Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan unavailable, and he pulled the strings in trademark fashion, as well as regaining possession when required. Wisely taken off with 20 minutes to play.
Antony Evans - 7
Tested O'Hara with a fine long-range effort in the first half and he was not far away with a couple of other efforts. Passed the ball well all night and delivered an accurate cross from the free-kick that led to the opening goal.
Luke McCormick - 6
A mixed bag. Glimpses of quality but he is still striving for rhythm since returning to the club. The 90 minutes will do him no harm at all.
Aaron Collins - 6
Threatened often without producing a decisive moment. Could not be contained when he peeled into space and he received the ball; Rovers needed that more often.
Ryan Loft - 6
Provided Rovers with a focal point as always, but the Gas were not able to get him in the game as much as they would have liked. Linked well with Collins and Marquis from time to time, but most importantly he got 45 minutes in the bank on the road to recovery after missing four games with a hamstring injury.
John Marquis - 6
Should have set the tone for a more comfortable evening, but he sent a fifth-minute header straight at O'Hara without a marker in sight. A goal eluded him, but there was encouraging link-up play and he will be pleased to have 90 minutes in his legs after a while without regular football.
Substitutes
Josh Coburn (for Loft on 46') - 7
Replaced Loft as planned at the interval and brought renewed energy to the frontline. Tested O'Hara with a powerful shot and he was physically imposing.
James Belshaw (for Jaakkola on 67') - 6
His bad luck with deflections continues. Didn't make a save, with his only task of note scooping the ball out of his net after a cruel deflection wrong-footed him.
Jordan Rossiter (for Finley on 70') - 7
Did Jordan Rossiter things. Fought for second balls and helped regain control.
Harvey Saunders (for Collins on 70') - 7
Freshened up the attack with his hard running. Right place at the right time for the winner, prodding into the net after O'Hara parried Gibbons' cross. Continues to make an impact from the bench. His first goal of the season.
Luca Hoole (for Clarke on 81') - 6
Untroubled as he returned to the fold after being taken out of the firing line at the weekend.
Not used: Alfie Kilgour, Zain Westbrooke.
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