James Belshaw - 7
The travelling Gasheads were pleased to see him back and he rewarded them with an authoritative performance. Oxford could barely muster a meaningful test, but Belshaw's ability to take the sting out of uncomfortable moments with reliable catches was important.
Luca Hoole - 8
Brought an upgrade as a ball carrier, enabling the Gas to carry the ball out from the back to greater effect. He was a willing runner all day and save for one Marcus Browne burst, he locked down the right flank. That graft was rewarded with a goal in the closing stages, leaping higher than the rest to score a brilliant header.
Jarell Quansah - 8
At last, a first Gas win for the Liverpool prospect and he was very good value for it. Saw plenty of the ball as Rovers had the lion's share of possession and he carried it forward well, but he also picked his moments to play high-percentage diagonals that cause the Oxford defence problems. Defended manfully and took a booking for the team to stunt a threatening attack.
Lewis Gibson - 8
A welcome return from injury and had a transformative impact on the assuredness of the defence. His communication skills are plain to see and Rovers looked calmer and more organised with the Everton loanee.
Lewis Gordon - 7
Mature display. His composure in possession was important to neutralise the occasions Oxford pressed up to nick the ball. One sliced clearance that gave Kyle Joseph half a chance, but that didn't blot his copybook.
Paul Coutts (c) - 7
In his time of need, Barton turned to his trusted pairing in midfield and they delivered. Coutts was as calm as ever, keeping the ball moving and breaking up play to good effect.
Lamare Bogarde - 7
The elegant Dutchman had a very strong first half, carrying the ball smoothly and he played a pivotal role in the opening goal, taking a whack for the team by nipping in on the blindside of Cameron Brannagan to win the penalty. Made a couple of important challenges in the second half before being taken off.
Sam Finley - 8
Only missed a week of action with his three-match ban, but it felt like an age that the Gas were without his craft and cleverness in midfield. Played a brilliant improvised pass with the outside of his boot in the lead-up to the opener. Gasheads will be delighted to see Finley back to something close to his best form. He was top-class in this game.
Scott Sinclair - 8
Put the penalty miss at Morecambe behind him with a coolly-taken spot kick to give the Gas the lead before turning provider for the second. He smartly got back onside to receive Marquis' through ball and he picked out Collins with a pinpoint low cross to double the lead. A quieter second half, but he did the damage in the first half.
John Marquis - 7
His attacking partners took the plaudits, but he played a decisive role in the first half. Held the ball up for the first to give the Gas the platform, and he was fastest to a loose ball for the second goal before showing his nous to delay the through ball for Sinclair so he was onside. A proper number nine's performance.
Aaron Collins - 8
Struck a rasping shot that was parried moments before the penalty and was soon on the scoresheet himself, scoring the kind of predatory goal from a near-post run that he has added to his game since joining the Gas. An ever-present threat on the counter in the second half without the Gas being able to find him with a killer pass.
Substitutes
Josh Coburn (for Marquis on 70') - 7
His instruction gave the home defence no respite and was unlucky to see the angle narrow on him after he beat the goalkeeper to the ball.
Grant Ward (for Coutts on 70') - 7
A like-for-like replacement for Coutts and he did the job ably.
Antony Evans (for Bogarde on 70') - 8
Magnificent delivery for the third goal that put the game out of site.
Harry Anderson (for Sinclair on 76') - 6
Offered fresh legs to ensure the standards stayed high.
James Gibbons (for Gibson on 76') - 6
Not tested by a meek Oxford attack.
Not used: Ellery Balcombe, James Connolly.
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