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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Scunthorpe: Thomas impresses and Clarke gets special goal

James Belshaw - 7

Had very little to do all night, making a few routine saves. Commanded his box well and was typically good in clearing up off his line. Then, when he was finally called into action, he made a superb close-range stop and was unlucky to see the loose ball land at Sam Burns' feet for a consolation goal. Given no chance with Burns' second in stoppage time.

Luca Hoole - 8

The 19-year-old is cementing his place in the team. Dependable as usual defensively and got forward often.

Connor Taylor - 7

A couple of mishaps, but nothing major. Dominated in the air, which was important with the direct route taken often by Scunthorpe.

James Connolly - 7

Saturday was a tough test at Swindon and he raised his levels at Scunthorpe, making several important defensive interventions, particularly a crucial interception of a cross that would have likely led to a goal. Struggled late on with Burns attacking his channel, but Rovers were able to hold on.

Josh Grant - 8

Rovers' own answer to Joao Cancelo with his attacking threat as a left-back. Joined the attack at every opportunity and broke the deadlock with a ruthless finish. Taken off after the hour, hopefully as a cautious move with Grant on a booking.

Paul Coutts (c) - 7

Never troubled all night until the closing stages when he was left exposed after his midfield partner Sam Finley was forced off.

Sam Finley - 7

Undoubtedly will be frustrated that he did not convert the good chances that came his way, but he did a lot to set the tempo and get Rovers on the front foot. They struggled defensively without him.

Antony Evans - 7

Continued in the same dogged fashion that underpinned his performance at Swindon but also offered sprinklings of quality. Won the penalty and duly converted to make it 2-0.

Luke Thomas - 8

A completely different physical specimen to the player that arrived at the Mem in the summer. His immense work rate was invaluable and he provided the assist for the third goal. Unlucky to see a long-range strike drift just over the top.

Aaron Collins - 7

A frustrating night in front of goal with chances going begging, but he was a pest that the hosts could not shake off. Gave those centre-backs a horrible night.

Sam Nicholson - 7

May have been frustrated not to get his head on Evans' inviting cross, but he responded instantaneously by collecting the loose ball, skinning Emmanuel Onariase and cutting the ball back for Grant to score. Unlucky to see his own shot get trapped under the goalkeeper's body soon after. Got a rollicking for not blocking the cross for the first goal.

Substitutes

Nick Anderton (for Grant on 64') - 6

Started strongly but had some difficult moments late on.

Leon Clarke (for Finley on 71') - 8

Finished ruthlessly and scored what ultimately proved to be the clinching goal.

Brett Pitman (for Collins on 79') - 6

Put pressure on the ball.

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Harry Anderson, Ryan Jones, Sion Spence.

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