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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Bolton Wanderers: Hoole finishes strongly as Whelan bows out

James Belshaw - 6

Has had to collect too many set piece goals out of his net over the course of the season and there was another on the final day as Aaron Morley's under-hit corner was toed on by Gethin Jones to tee Shola Shoretire up for the simplest of finishes. Made a good save to repel Shoretire early in the second half, but fine finishes from Dan Nlundulu and Morley in the second half gave the keeper no chance. Taken off 10 minutes from time to give Balcombe a final appearance.

Luca Hoole - 7

Showed the results of his progression as a full-back with a couple of bursts forward with the ball in the first half and he positioned himself in the right place at the right time to nod into an open net to make it 1-1 before the break. Had fewer chances to raid forward in the second half.

Jarell Quansah - 5

Started anxiously with a stray back pass that went out for a corner but steadied himself against a physical frontline led by ex-Gas striker Victor Adeboyejo. Taken off in the closing stages, bringing his loan spell with Rovers to an end. He's learned a great deal.

Lewis Gibson - 6

Another loan player coming to the end of his stint with the Gas. Composed as ever in what could be his final game in the blue and white quarters. Has been the outstanding player in a porous defence this season; the Gas could have been in real strife without him.

Lewis Gordon - 5

Handled his defensive duties well, limiting the number of crosses that came into the box, but he offered little going forward.

Sam Finley (c) - 6

Was up for the battle despite there being very little on the game. Worked hard without the ball all day and it was his teasing cross that led to Rovers' equaliser.

Grant Ward - 6

Played out the final game of his short-term contract with another professional performance, doing a bit of everything in midfield. Was denied a go-ahead goal on the verge of half time by a fine reaction save from Dixon.

Antony Evans - 6

Played at full throttle and showed his development as his all-round midfield player with a timely block to get in the way of Shoretire's effort. Would have wanted to offer a bit more going forward.

Scott Sinclair - 6

His biggest moments came at the end of each half, delivering a brilliant cross that Coburn headed against the bar on the cusp of the interval. At the end of the second, he looked set to snatch an equaliser deep into stoppage time but he struck the crossbar with Dixon beaten. A bright performance without any reward.

Aaron Collins - 7

Probably should have jinked left rather than right after he and Coburn combined to steal the ball and attack an exposed defence before the Welshman's shot was blocked. Displayed his ability as a playmaker by dropping deep and whipping a superb through ball for Sinclair to chase after, which led to Coburn heading against the bar. Stung the palms of Joel Dixon with a rasping shot in the second half and thought he had one more assist to add to his tally at the death but Sinclair's stoppage-time shot crashed against the crossbar.

Josh Coburn - 7

Gave Ricardo Santos plenty of trouble in the first half and he held the ball up well, getting no help from the referee along the way once again. However, a good season ended on a disappointing note as he suffered a suspected head injury in the process of powering a header against the bar late in the first half. Had to be replaced at the interval.

Substitutes

John Marquis (for Coburn on 46') - 7

Scored his ninth goal of the season with a predatory finish to make

Glenn Whelan (for Finley on 78') - 6

Came on for his first appearance in almost two months, taking the armband off Sam Finley. Was replaced himself in stoppage time, taking the applause as he seemingly brought the curtain down on a fine playing career.

Ellery Balcombe (for Belshaw on 81') - 6

Had very little to do when he replaced Belshaw.

Calum Macdonald (for Evans on 81') - 7

Delivered a good low cross that led to Marquis making it 3-2. Brought potency a bit more in the final third than Gordon had shown earlier in the game.

Lamare Bogarde (for Gordon 81') - 7

Carried the ball forward with intent.

James Connolly (for Quansah on 81') -6

Battled with Nlundulu. in the closing stages. A couple of neat touches under pressure.

Luke McCormick (for Whelan on 90+5) - N/A

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