James Belshaw - 6
Will be disappointed that Rovers allowed Connor Ogilvie a free header from a corner to fall behind. Substitute Reeco Hacket forced a save with a swerving shot that Belshaw did well to keep out, though the foul for the penalty came from the parry as Anderson tried to clear. Joe Pigott sent the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards and Belshaw was powerless to prevent Owen Dale's stoppage-time header.
Luca Hoole - 6
Tests won't come much harder than a bouncing Fratton Park up against a bruising striker like Colby Bishop. There were plenty of tough moments, but Rovers' young backline did well to stay in the game before the penalty broke their defences. Hoole showed courage to carry the ball out from defence as his manager wished.
James Connolly - 6
Barton called for bravery on the ball and Connolly delivered that. It was a brutal test but there were signs of encouragement.
Lewis Gibson - 8
Rovers' standout performer. Barton described him as a "Rolls Royce" at full time. Showed great composure while still getting stuck in. The game changed when he was replaced.
Jordan Rossiter - 7
Tenacious showing in midfield. Covered a huge amount of ground despite being short of full fitness. Another man who was missed when he went off.
Glenn Whelan - 5
Was the enemy of the home fans when his challenge on Louis Thompson led to what looked like a serious injury for the Portsmouth midfielder. It was a forceful challenge, and it had significant consequences, but it did not appear to meet the typical criteria for a red card, catching Thompson on the side of the leg rather and the studs were not used. Taken off at half-time.
Paul Coutts (c) - 6
Craved the ball and helped Rovers have periods of control in possession. Defended smartly but lacked options.
Sam Finley - 6
Was limited in the first half with Pompey targeting him, clearly wary of the threat he poses on the ball. Grew into the game and started driving Rovers forward but it proved to be a frustrating afternoon
Antony Evans - 4
Endured a poor first half, failing to make use of a couple of good situations on the ball. It did not improve a great deal after the break. Produced one good ball for Saunders to chase, but not his finest performance. Could do with a bit of support in attacking midfield, which Barton is eager to secure in the transfer market.
John Marquis - 6
Was enduring a really difficult return to his former club with little in the way of service, but it was hard work and educated pressing that got the Gas back into the game. He stole the ball from Sean Raggett and squared for Collins, who made no mistake. Was replaced soon after.
Aaron Collins - 6
Not a great showing on the whole, but there were some very good moments mixed in. Created Rovers' best chance in the first half with a dangerous cutback from the left and he grabbed the leveller in the second half with a ruthless finish. He was astonished not to be given a penalty when Rovers were 2-1 down in the closing stages. He appeared to be tripped, but the referee gave him very little all game.
Substitutes
Harry Anderson (for Whelan on 46') - 4
A difficult afternoon. Did not make enough use of the ball as a winger and he was the man penalised for the penalty after switching to full-back. Tough job for him to switch between positions. Most of the time, he handles the switches well, but the foul for the penalty showed the occasional pitfalls of relying on his versatility.
Ryan Loft (for Rossiter on 74') - 5
Charged around but rarely saw the ball come his way.
Alfie Kilgour (for Gibson on 76') - 5
Had a tough time with Rovers exposed as they chased the game late on.
Harvey Saunders (for Marquis on 81') - 5
Forced a save with a mishit shot at 3-1, but that was the extent of his impact.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Lewis Gordon, Jerry Lawrence.
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