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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Forest Green: Marquis and Bogarde shine in fine team display

James Belshaw - 8

Charlie Savage's thumping strike gave the keeper of little chance of keeping it out as Forest Green took the lead. Had next to nothing to do until the Gas allowed a soft penalty in the closing stages, which was poorly hit and well-saved by the Gas No1.

Luca Hoole - 7

Perhaps could have done more to prevent Jordan Garrick from being able to lay the ball back to Savage for the opener, and there was a stray pass in a dangerous area that Hoole was fortunate to get away with, but for the most part, he joined the attack with gusto and linked well with Sinclair. Should have scored for the second successive away game but he spurned a chance with the goal at his mercy after the break.

Jarell Quansah - 8

Looks the real deal. He was up against a meek attack, but the Liverpool loanee did not put a foot wrong, doing all he could to ensure FGR did not have a route back into the game. Could have scored to make sure of the points a bit earlier with the Gas 3-1 up, but he could not get the ball under his spell after the goalkeeper spilt Evans' corner.

Lewis Gibson - 8

Made a huge difference on all 10 players around him since returning from injury and this was another excellent display from the Everton loanee at the back. Gave the hosts absolutely nothing all day and was excellent on the ball on a shoddy pitch.

Lewis Gordon - 8

Got caught up in a few tussles with Amadou Bakayoko in the first half and seemed to relish the contest. Got forward to good effect and defended his flank expertly.

Lamare Bogarde - 8

Played a huge part in the second goal, which will not be credited with an assist as Sinclair finished the chance at the second attempt, but the Dutchman's quick reaction to force the ball to the unmarked winger was crucial. Despite being booked, he managed himself well and still crunched into tackles. A fine player in the making.

Grant Ward - 8

His best performance? Quite possibly. Had a magnetic attraction to second balls and dovetailed brilliantly with Bogarde to dominate the midfield battle.

Scott Sinclair - 8

Had a good chance to open the scoring inside five minutes, but that did not detract from an excellent first half. He threatened over and over on the right flank and put the Gas ahead with his fifth league goal since signing in October. Lewis Thomas smothered his first shot, but the rebound fell kindly and he tucked it away. His crisp cross onto the head of Marquis made sure of the points.

Scott Sinclair of Bristol Rovers goes for goal. (Geoff Caddick/JMP)

Aaron Collins - 7

Not quite his day in front of goal, but he played a massive part in a coordinated press that Forest Green could not cope with. The goals are not flowing as freely as teams pay more attention to him, but he is still having a significant effect.

John Marquis - 8

Continued his good form with a composed and ruthless finish to equalise, sending his man one way before thinking the other and sliding home with his left foot. Hassled defenders all afternoon and was rewarded with a second goal after the interval, nodding home Sinclair's corner to make it three.

Josh Coburn - 8

Back in the starting XI for the first time in five games and he made a telling impact in the first half. Nothing will show it on the stats sheet, but this was a fine display. The big lad looked refreshed as he pressed with great intensity and it was his harrying of the FGR defence that led to both first-half goals. He was taken off after the break, but not before winning the corner for the third goal.

Substitutes

Antony Evans (for Coburn on 63') - 7

Offered fresh legs and kept Rovers in charge in midfield.

Ryan Loft (for Marquis on 79') - 6

Battled hard up top to keep the Gas on the front foot.

Luke McCormick (for Collins on 80') - 5

Had to endure the embarrassment of being subbed off just eight minutes after coming on, in which time he was booked and gave away a penalty as the Gas looked to be easing their way to victory. Ruthless from Barton.

Glenn Whelan (for McCormick on 88') - N/A

James Connolly (for Bogarde on 88') - N/A

Not used: Ellery Balcombe, James Gibbons.

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