James Belshaw - 8
With the aerial threat of Matt Smith to worry about, Belshaw's ability to clutch crosses was imperative. Made a good save to turn the target man's header past the post in the first half, and he flew high to his right for another good stop in the second half. Came off his line to head clear a dangerous through-ball late on.
Luca Hoole - 8
Attacked effectively in the first half, giving Rovers an overload on the right side. One cross was so close to being stabbed in. Defensively excellent in the second half, winning several clearing headers and keeping Brandon Thomas-Asante quiet.
Connor Taylor - 8
Gave Matt Smith very little change all afternoon, battling hard with the veteran target man to minimise the number of attacking platforms he could create for the visitors. Some sloppy passes, but little else to complain about.
James Connolly - 8
Did not seem to be troubled throughout the 90 minutes and progressed the ball forward effectively.
Josh Grant - 7
A bright return to the starting XI with some well-timed runs forward and pinpoint passes helped to open up space between the Salford defences. Taken off in the second half as he works his way back to full fitness.
Paul Coutts (c) - 8
Conducted affairs in the middle of the park and kept Rovers protected against any counter-attacks. Made several important challenges to stop moments of potential danger at source.
Harry Anderson - 7
Tigerish as ever, playing high and wide on the right flank and causing plenty of problems in the first half. Was asked to do a job at left-back in the closing stages and, as usual, he was up to the task.
Elliot Anderson - 8
The difference. Rovers were superior but struggling to break through Salford's defences, but with Anderson the Gas always have a chance. He was unlucky to see a long-range bullet swerve wide in the first half, but he gave the keeper no chance in the second half with an arrow lashed into the bottom corner.
Sam Finley - 7
Perhaps guilty of overcomplicating things in the final third, taking the aggressive option when there were other passes available, but he set the tempo for Rovers as per usual.
Sam Nicholson - 6
A late addition to the starting XI with Leon Clarke suffering an injury in the warm-up. Was heavily involved and carried a threat without producing a killer moment. Was replaced on the hour.
Aaron Collins - 6
A touch frustrated with several through-balls just out of his reach and some off his link-up play was off the mark, but he will consider himself a bit unlucky that Tom King denied him with a superb save. Pressed hard all afternoon without reward.
Substitutes
Antony Evans (for Nicholson on 60') - 8
Given a hero's welcome as he returned from injury. Some lax moments, but he was cruelly denied a goal by the crossbar.
Luke Thomas (for Grant on 70') - 8
A superb cameo. He found spaces between the Salford defence and midfield, and that was the source of the winner, assisting Elliot Anderson.
Glenn Whelan (for Finley on 80') - 7
Sensible addition into the game. Helped see Rovers over the line.
Not used: Jed Ward, Nick Anderton, Harvey Saunders, Ryan Loft.
