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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Bradford City: Sam Finley's fine performance inspires big win

James Belshaw - 7

The sum of his work in the first half was grabbing the odd cross that passed his way, with Bradford struggling for any foothold in the Rovers half. Unlucky to be beaten by a clinical finish from Dion Pereira as Rovers were caught cold seconds after the break. A very quiet afternoon.

Luca Hoole - 8

Raided forward time and again, giving the Gas an extra body in the final third. Showed excellent movement to get across his marker but his header from a Paul Coutts cross flew wide. Substitute Charles Vernam was a threat, but Hoole handled him and made several good interceptions.

Connor Taylor - 8

Defended aggressively to help Rovers lock Bradford in their own half for long periods. Lost the aeriel battle to Andy Cook in the lead-up to the opening goal moments into the second half, but that was the only possible complaint. Popped up with a massive goal to give the Gas the lead. Talismanic.

James Connolly - 8

The kind of performance that is becoming Connolly's trademark. So assured, mixed with a physical edge to deny Bradford any sort of attacking platform.

Trevor Clarke - 6

Tenacious in all thirds of the pitch, but he will be disappointed he let Pereira get beyond him for the opening goal.

Paul Coutts (c) - 8

Recovered the ball often and redistributed it quickly to accelerate the tempo of Rovers' attacks. Conducted the game and his delivery from free-kicks was a huge threat, leading to the winning goal.

Sam Nicholson - 6

Heavily involved for his 82 minutes on the pitch, with several good touches, but his decision-making was lacking. Spurned multiple good moments, particularly when he chose to take a touch after Elliot Anderson played him in. Had to shoot quicker, but he allowed Alex Bass a chance to save.

Elliot Anderson - 8

Prompted gasps of amazement in the first half when he breezed past two challenges with tricky footwork and it was a sign of things to come. A class above without the returns to show for it. Exhibited his deceptive power to leave Paudie O'Connor for dead. Got an assist for Finley's leveller, and could have had several more.

Sam Finley - 9

Rovers' best player in the first period, wrapping passes left and right to inject pace into the attack. Latched onto so many second balls to give Joey Barton the control he craves and when the Gas were struggling to break through he took matters into his own hands with a thumping strike from long range to inspire the comeback.

Harry Anderson - 8

His former boss and friend Danny Cowley was in the stands to watch and he would have been delighted for his former Lincoln City star. Anderson was excellent, defending and attacking with the same intensity that Barton can always expect from him.

Aaron Collins - 7

Enjoyed more service after a couple of quiet games and there were moments of quality, but his finishing was a touch awry. Played well when moved wide left, setting up substitute Leon Clarke for a good chance to kill it.

Substitutes

Luke Thomas (for T Clarke on 69') - 7

Good cameo. Unfortunate to lose his footing after bursting in behind the defence, but there were encouraging signs from a player Rovers are yet to see the best of. There is still time in the final six games.

Leon Clarke (for Nicholson on - 82') - 7

Spearheaded the attack and held the ball up well. Unlucky to be denied by the backside of Alex Bass as the striker tried to place the ball between the legs of the onrushing keeper.

Not used: Jed Ward, Cian Harries, Glenn Whelan, Harvey Saunders, Ryan Loft.

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