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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Derby County: Bogarde top class in deserved draw

James Belshaw - 8

Let down by his defence early doors with David McGoldrick given far too much time and space to open the scoring. Belshaw helped them out in the second half with a series of good saves, denying Harvey White and McGoldrick with free-kicks before repelling the latter with a smothering stop in stoppage time.

Luca Hoole - 8

Allowed Tom Barkhuizen too much time and space for the opening goal, but the right-back continued his excellent form with another performance full of ambition and vigour. Attacked with intent, particularly in the second period and on another day his runs could have left to greater rewards

James Connolly - 8

The first goal was not a good look for the Gas with a tame cross finding a striker with far too much time and space in the box and McGoldrick ruthlessly took the chance. Thereafter, Rovers' defence was superb, not only in curbing Derby's attacking threat but also progressing the ball out from the back, which stretched and exposed the Rams all day long.

Lewis Gibson - 8

His influence on this team is huge, so much so that defensive mixups like the opening goal come as a real surprise when they were the norm for the Gas earlier in the season. Led the defence excellently from that moment, with his positive play in possession rewarded in stoppage time when his clipped ball into the box led to the foul on Antony Evans for the penalty.

Lewis Gordon - 7

Will regret not pulling the trigger when the chance opened up for him in the first half, but this was another good outing for the left-back. Attacked to good effect, particularly in the second half, bombing forward and delivering a couple of dangerous crosses into the middle.

Lamare Bogarde - 8

The midfield star on both sides. Both played and received balls through the lines to help Rovers gain a dominant footing in the game, and his defensive work was excellent when required.

Sam Finley (c) - 6

Not at his best with some uncharacteristically slack passes at unfortunate moments. Still, he played his part in a midfield that had control of the game for the majority of the 90 minutes.

Grant Ward - 7

Hugely effective, particularly in a second half where Rovers had the Rams under near-constant pressure. A class act who would be a massive asset to the Gas next season, if they can convince him to stay.

Harry Anderson - 6

Returned to the starting XI for the first time in two months, so naturally he was short of a bit of rhythm. Still he will be disappointed he did not score from Sinclair's cutback after rounding the keeper, hitting the post from close range, albeit from a narrow angle.

Scott Sinclair - 7

A constant menace for the Rams, getting into countless good positions on the right flank. Will be disappointed he did not make more of his chances after robbing Eiran Cashin of the ball on the edge of his own area before nodding Gordon's cross over in the second half, but he was a big problem for Derby all afternoon.

Aaron Collins of Bristol Rovers. (Will Cooper/JMP)

Aaron Collins - 7

No goal or assist to show for it, but this was a performance indicative of Collins returning to his best form. The Gas struggled to get him into the game in the first half, but after the break, with more support up top, his playmaking contributions were superb, setting a number of good moves in motion.

Substitutes

Ryan Loft (for Anderson on 46') - 7

He will be frustrated he didn't take chances, but his impact on the game was clear.

Antony Evans (for Gordon on 71') - 7

Showed plenty of bottle to smash his penalty into the top corner.

Josh Coburn (for Finley on 71') - 6

Got stuck into his battles, but got no help from the referee.

John Marquis (for Sinclair on 84') - 6

Showed his experience to hold the ball as if he was taking the penalty, facing the wind-up attempts from the Rams players, only to hand the ball to Evans, who duly scored.

Luke McCormick (for Ward on 84') - 6

Back in action after the Forest Green episode.

Not used: Jed Ward, James Gibbons.

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