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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Morecambe: Debutant nets as Collins does everything but score

James Belshaw - 6

Jensen Weir's screamer stunned the Mem and Belshaw had no chance of keeping it out. Had very little to do as Rovers regained their dominance and equalised, but he was beaten by another clinical finish against the run of play in the second half, this time from Kieran Phillips. The wind had a significant impact on the flight of the ball, making it difficult for him to patrol off his line in his trademark fashion.

Luca Hoole - 6

Provided an attacking threat in the first half, linking well with Collins to work good situations on the right flank. That output was reduced in the second half with Rovers less fluid after the break. A few of his passes forward went awry.

Alfie Kilgour - 6

Another game and another defensive partnership in the middle of the back four. On the whole, Kilgour was solid and showed good intent on the ball in the second half. Was sacrificed for attacking changes in the final quarter.

Bobby Thomas - 7

Set the tone with a commanding header right from the kick-off and he carried on from there. There were a couple of errant moments mixed in, but he showed confidence on his Gas debut. It was a bit scruffy, but he got Rovers level on his debut.

Lewis Gordon - 6

His natural tendencies match up with those of the modern full-back, often preferring to drift inside into the half spaces and even the middle to give Rovers an overload that they can use to advance the ball. He handled the ball well but his attacking impact was limited.

Paul Coutts (c) - 7

The Scot is essentially a coach on the field and that was evident from the way he was conducting the first half. Gave Rovers control in possession and was a stabilising presence when Morecambe tried to counter. Added 71 minutes to the bank.

Sam Finley - 7

Was in fine form from the off, showing his trademark trickery and vision to cause Morecambe plenty of problems. He was unlucky not to have an assist when he threaded a pinpoint through-ball between the centre-backs for Collins to chase, but the forward hit the outside of the post in the first half of stoppage time.

Antony Evans - 5

Another up-and-down afternoon for Evans, who is perhaps guilty of trying a bit too hard to force the issue on the ball at the moment. There was plenty of frustration for the playmaker, but he also delivered a number of dangerous balls into the area, one of which led to Rovers' second equaliser.

Aaron Collins - 7

Was electric in the first half, hitting the post twice and setting up Loft's goal. He cracked the woodwork after 75 seconds with an effort from range. Rovers' first equaliser was all from his good work, turning Liam Gibson inside out before crossing for Loft to tap in. He hit the post again in first-half stoppage time after being played in by Sam Finley. Was less influential in the second half.

John Marquis - 6

Cut a frustrated figure with few opportunities coming his way. Teammates were unable to find him after making space with some clever movement. With the window closed and the manager's resources set in stone, a priority has to be bringing on the connectivity of the attack to get Marquis in more scoring situations.

Ryan Loft - 7

Continued his goalscoring run with another predatory finish, arriving in the perfect place at the perfect time to equalise from Collins' excellent cross, making it three in three for the big man. His size and speed caused plenty of concern, but his link-up play needed to be more precise in the second period.

Substitutes

Harvey Saunders (for Finley on 62') - 6

Got stuck into a battle with Jacob Bedeau and forced a strong save from Connor Ripley.

Luke McCormick (for Marquis on 62') - 7

Produced an excellent turn and cross to give Trevor Clarke a chance on the volley.

Sylvester Jasper (for Kilgour on 71') - 6

Brought an injection of pace without a telling contribution.

Harry Anderson (for Gordon on 71') - 7

Helped create Rovers' best chance to win it with a trademark rampage up the right flank.

Trevor Clarke (for Coutts on 71') - 6

Unlucky to see his volley denied by Ripley.

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Glenn Whelan.

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