Jed Ward - 6
Received a deserved embrace from Joey Barton as he came off the pitch at full time. Performed well in only his second senior start for Rovers. Beaten by an acrobatic strike from Ellis Harrison that was hit with real venom from close range before Tom Pett doubled the lead after Rovers failed to clear their lines. Looked comfortable coming for crosses, passing the physical side of the acid test, and showed some nice touches with the ball at it his feet. Had little to do in the second half but he made a smart save when the offside flag had already been raised. We'll be seeing more of him.
James Gibbons - 4
Afforded a warm welcome on his return to his former club, but it was a tough day for the full-back who never quite found his composure after a run out of the team. Replaced early in the second half.
James Connolly - 4
A torrid afternoon which started with some physical duels with Ellis Harrison. Connolly rarely looked comfortable, particularly in a moment of indecision shortly before half time where he and Gibbons failed to take command of a bouncing ball, gifting Gavin Massey a chance to run at goal with no defenders in sight. Fortunately for Rovers, he made a mess of it. Connolly was replaced shortly after the break after surviving another awkward moment of his own making.
Lewis Gibson - 5
Looked the most assured of Rovers defenders but like everyone wearing back and teal, he could not get the ball moving through the lines quickly enough as Vale stymied their attempts to build through the phases.
Lewis Gordon - 5
A very Gordon-like performance in that he took up clever positions when inverting off his flank and he got involved in the build-up, but Rovers needed a bit more cutting edge when he got into good areas. One of five players to see their number raised early in the second half as Barton opted to change shape.
Lamare Bogarde - 5
There were one or two trademark spins and bursts through midfield, but like the team as a whole, he never found top gear in a flat performance.
Sam Finley (c) - 4
An uncharacteristically error-strewn display from the man wearing the armband. Tried to provide the inspiration that Rovers desperately needed with so many players off-colour, but his touch and passing accuracy failed him too often by his high standards. As ever, he fought to the very end, shown by a gut-busting spring to mop up after a mistake from Bogarde.
Grant Ward - 5
Struggled to get into the contest with so much of Rovers' approach play breaking down through moments of sloppiness. The first of the players to get replaced five minutes after the interval.
Scott Sinclair - 4
Did not make a meaningful impression on the game in his 56 minutes on the pitch. Wasn't helped by some sluggish and sloppy play in possession from his teammates, but Sinclair did not make his mark before being replaced.
Aaron Collins - 5
Plugged away all afternoon without much joy. The Gas did not get him into the game enough in the first half. Looked more dangerous in the second but not enough to provide the moment of quality Rovers needed to get back in the game.
Josh Coburn - 5
Did not acquit himself well in the first half, getting outmuscled in his duels with the Vale back three as the Gas failed to hold the ball up. Improved after the break as he bit down and got stuck in, but there was no reward for the big man.
Substitutes
Antony Evans (for G Ward on 51) - 6
Looked the most likely of producing something when he came on.
Jarell Quansah (for Connolly on 56') - 5
Some anxious moments but Rovers incurred no damage with him on the park.
Luca Hoole (for Gibbons on 56') - 6
Brought a bit more intent on the ball.
Harry Anderson (for Gordon on 57') - 5
Battled hard but kept quiet.
John Marquis (for Sinclair on 57') - 6
Got stuck in as ever, upping the intensity across the park.
Not used: James Belshaw, Luke McCormick.
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