James Belshaw - 6
Intervened off his line to take the ball off the toes of Sam Nombe after he was played in. Might wonder if he could have got more distance on his punch in the lead-up to Exeter's equaliser, but Jevani Brown's finish left him with no chance. Made a good stop to repel Matt Jay in the second half.
Luca Hoole - 8
His first senior goal was just the beginning of an excellent first-half performance. Had threatened at the front post from corners in recent games and he made one count on 10 minutes, squeezing a first-time shot beyond Cameron Dawson. Charged forward at every opportunity, attacking the channel between the wing-back and outside centre-half to great effect. Fewer chances to attack in the second half with the balance of play gradually turning in Exeter's favour in a well-contested game.
Connor Taylor - 7
Exeter posed a dynamic threat with the nimble Nombe, Jay and Brown lurking and Taylor and his teammates, by and large, held up well. Won important headers and used his physicality in the early exchanges to set the tone.
James Connolly - 7
Won more than his fair share of headers and policed many of Exter's efforts to attack in the left channel.
Harry Anderson - 7
A commendable shift underpinned by some important defensive actions. Posed an occasional attacking threat, but his best shooting chance was blocked. Deserves praise for another good contribution out of position.
Paul Coutts (c) - 7
Roamed the middle of the park effectively. Exeter had plenty of movement in and around him at the base of the midfield, but he made the challenges he needed to make and moved the ball sensibly.
Sam Finley - 6
Picked some nice passes but his attacking influence was curbed in the first half and he was taken off at the break, presumably with an injury.
Sam Nicholson - 6
Spun defenders this way and that, but his creative efforts did not quite pay off. Could not beat Cameron Dawson with the angle tightening.
Elliot Anderson - 6
Moments of promise without making the killer contribution. Selfishly chose to shot when he had Sam Nicholson available in the middle in the second half. One excellent defence-splitting pass to Nicholson did give him a chance, though.
Antony Evans - 6
Delivered dangerously on several occasions and one of those whipped corners created the opening goal, with Hoole sneaking across the near post to turn home from six yards. Showed tenacity throughout to give Rovers added bit in midfield, with Evans' playing in a slightly deeper role than usual.
Aaron Collins - 6
Was met with physical resistance from Sam Stubbs which meant there was intense pressure on every attempt he made to hold the ball up. Was slightly more influential on the left flank in the second half, with a sublime flick to open up the defence for Harry Anderson – only for the shot to be blocked – his best contribution.
Substitutes
Ryan Loft (for Finley on 46') - 6
Got no favours from the referee with Exeter's centre-half pushing the boundaries to challenge him.
Luke Thomas (for Collins on 77') - 5
Sloppy contribution off the bench. Got in good positions but he was wasteful.
Glenn Whelan (for Nicholson on 90') - NA
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Nick Anderton, Jon Nolan, Leon Clarke.
