Ellery Balcombe - 8
The Gas could have suffered a nightmare start but Balcombe made a pair of big saves inside the first two minutes, denying Cameron Humphreys and Cameron Burgess in quick succession. Made a succession of simple stops before standing tall in the second half and keeping out a fearsome strike from Nathan Broadhead from 10 yards. Built on a strong performance last time out and it would have been a very different game without his early saves.
James Gibbons - 7
His instructions were clearly to track Marcus Harness as he drifted inside, leaving Leif Davis open on the Ipswich left, but Gibbons did his job dutifully until he was switched to left centre-back as Barton changed formation in the second half. The quality was not always there in possession, but he never wanted for grit and determination.
Jarell Quansah - 8
Could have scored his first senior goal when Evans landed a fine cross on his head from a corner, but he could not keep his effort under the crossbar from six yards. Defended aggressively and seemed to enjoy his duels with Freddie Ladapo. Made a crucial block in the final 10 minutes to deny Broadhead what appeared a certain goal.
James Connolly - 8
There were always going to be harem-scarem moments, but Connolly put his head where it hurts and helped keep a clean sheet against one of the league's best attacks.
Lewis Gordon - 8
His best performance for the Gas? Quite possibly. Showed the composure he has occasionally lacked and he kept two very dangerous wingers quiet in the shape of Wes Burns and Kyle Edwards.
Grant Ward - 8
A no-frills display from the central midfielder, who policed the space in front of the defence very well. A lot of Rovers' possession was scruffy or hurried, but the were structurally excellent and Ward was at the heart of that.
Lamare Bogarde - 7
Showed he belongs in the starting XI on his full debut, engaging in a good battle with veteran winger Sone Aluko, and the Aston Villa prospect got the better of his man. Showed moments of tenacity, quality and composure to help keep Ipswich at bay in his 75 minutes on the park.
Antony Evans - 7
A mazy run which took three Ipswich defenders out of the game before poking a ball through to Collins was typical of the Evans of last season. His set-piece delivery was a source of frustration again, but he gave absolutely everything and Rovers benefited greatly from his shift in midfield.
Harry Anderson - 7
Returned to the starting XI to great effect in a game that was made for him. His willing runs forward and back as a winger and a wing-back brought security and an attacking threat on the right side. A touch of finesse and precision at times was all that was missing from a strong performance.
Scott Sinclair - 7
Sensibly stayed in shape for the most part, but he burst forward effectively when he could. Thought he put Rovers ahead when he pounced on Christian Walton's spillage from Collins' cross, but the assistant's flag stayed down. Came up with a huge defensive contribution, though, when he stole the ball off Kyle Edwards' toes when he looked set to score.
Aaron Collins (c) - 7
Cut a lonely figure at times up front, but that is not necessarily a bad thing with Collins' particular skillset; he is at his best when he isolates defenders. Saw a couple of first-half half-chances come his way, but he could take neither in his stride, making it very difficult to generate power or accuracy. Despite being the lonely striker, he demanded an excellent performance from the Ipswich centre-backs to keep him off the scoresheet.
Substitutes
Luca Hoole (for Anderson on 76') - 7
Defended stoutly up against Ipswich's wingers as Rovers came under intense pressure late on.
Josh Coburn (for Bogarde on 76') - 6
Seemed a bit short of a gallop when pressing, but a bit more care on a through ball from Collins and he would have had a golden chance to win it in stoppage time.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Calum Macdonald, Jerry Lawrence, Luke McCormick, John Marquis.
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