James Belshaw - 5
Up until the 68th minute he was having a good game with his handling from a number of Pompey crosses, as he had the sun in his eyes, was exemplary. But then goalkeepers live and die on their mistakes and unfortunately his spill from Connor Ogilvie’s low cross led to Colby Bishop’s penalty which put Pompey 2-0 up and in control. There were also a few wayward passes which drew the eyes of Joey Barton on the touchline.
Luca Hoole - 7
Brought back into the starting XI after illness and the young Welshman had a fine game at right-back, particularly in the second half where he was able to get forward a lot more. His crossing, at times, was a little inconsistent but he gave the Gas plenty of width and penetration. Possibly should have done a little better with a header when picked out by Calum Macdonald.
Jarell Quansah - 5
Sent off in the closing stages for a brutal lunge on Joe Morrell (which, in truth, Gasheads won’t complain about) and that has consequences for next month. Before that moment he was enjoying a fine afternoon with his touch and use of the ball outstanding. You sense a goal will eventually come as he keeps fashioning opportunities from free-kicks with another two today but on neither occasion could he properly trouble Matt Macey.
Lewis Gibson - 6
Handed the armband which is testament to his presence in the changing room and on the pitch, even at the age of 22, but the Everton loanee struggled at times against the movement of Bishop.
Lewis Gordon - 6
Didn’t do a great deal wrong in possession, although he wasn’t able to get forward enough which left Rovers a little narrow in the first half. However, it was increasingly clear that Pompey were targeting his side of the pitch with Joe Rafferty sending in a number of crosses from that flank, ultimately prompting his half-time withdrawal for Calum Macdonald.
Grant Ward - 6
Couldn’t quite impose himself on the midfield as he has done in recent weeks and his passing was a little passive at times. Did go close with a far post header after the break following a fine late run into the box. Substituted in the second half for Finley.
Lamare Bogarde - 6
The Dutchman put himself about, as he always does, and there were some notable exchanges in midfield but, in reality, he couldn’t quite knit things with the attack and at times was on his heels having to help out in defence.
Antony Evans - 7
He has his sceptics at this level but he was one of the few genuine sparks for the Gas in the first half and he had some joy on the right flank, getting around the Pompey defence and into some dangerous areas. You could, however, be critical of his delivery in crucial areas but his set-piece taking did produce chances for Quansah (twice) and Gibson, none of which were taken.
Aaron Collins - 7
This wasn’t vintage Collins but still much better from the Welshman who buzzed around in the No10 position and created some good opportunities from himself from range. That being said, you do still feeling something, whatever that is it, and it’s hard to put your finger on it, is missing from his game.
John Marquis - 6
A frustrating 45 minutes for the striker who never really got going and was well-marshalled by former teammate Sean Raggett. Had an excellent chance just before the break when he ballooned it over the bar, when it probably called for greater finesse, but perhaps emphasised he was trying that little bit too hard. Replaced at half-time for Scott Sinclair.
Josh Coburn - 6
Was Rovers’ best player in the first half with a real frontman’s display and a mixture of intelligence and aggression. However, he appeared to tire towards the end of the game and was less of a factor.
Substitutes
Scott Sinclair (for Marquis, 46) - 7
Inventive and energetic as he was brought on at half-time. Sinclair went close with a free-kick and continuously tried to make things happen. As professional as he is to play wing-back, he’s clearly more useful when stationed further up the field.
Calum Macdonald (for Gordon, 46) - 5
Was having a reasonably solid game until he committed the foul on Paddy Lane that led to Pompey’s penalty, cynically pulling him back inside the area. In truth, it was a decision he had to make due to Belshaw’s fumble as otherwise the winger had an open goal in front of him. He did nearly redeem himself with an unbelievable crossfield pass onto the head of Hoole but the defender couldn’t finish.
Sam Finley (for Ward, 72) - 6
Great to see him back on the pitch after a long time out with illness and he had one good chance with a volley on the edge of the area.
Ryan Loft (for Evans, 72) - 6
Gave the Gas another option in attack, as Coburn appeared to be swallowed up by the defence, but he couldn’t quite get himself into the game.
Subs not used: Ellery Balcombe, James Connolly, Glenn Whelan
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