James Belshaw - 6
As the scoreline suggests, the Rovers keeper experienced a desperately quiet first half but needed all his concentration and agility to keep out a Broom effort after half time that would have made it 4-2 and maintained the pressure on the Gas.
James Gibbons - 7
Tasked with providing the width in what appeared a narrow set-up by the Gas but given how clinical his teammates were in the final third, he didn’t actually need to get forward that much. Performed his defensive duties well, including one or two covering blocks and tackles, and just gives a better shape to the Rovers backline.
Bobby Thomas - 8
His goal - Rovers’ third - completely knocked the stuffing out of the Robins and allowed Rovers to play with authority thereafter. Continues to look a constant threat at set-pieces which gives the Gas another weapon in attack. As for his day job, had a tough and tricky opponent in Dan Nlundulu but kept him mostly quiet. A mature performance.
Lewis Gibson - 8
Brought balance alongside Thomas with the right-left combo. The Everton loanee limped off, which is a slight concern, because the two of them are forming a pretty formidable partnership. Gibson did especially well tracking the runs of Ryan Broom who looked to get his head down and attack the space whenever he could.
Lewis Gordon - 7
As was the case with Gibbons, he would have been assigned to get forward but it was never really required and instead he kept it simple at left-back as he and Gibson mostly kept Broom quiet.
Paul Coutts - 9
Set the example from the first whistle. Always available for a pass and looking to spread the play and get Rovers on the front foot. Off the ball his tenacity was infectious, inspiring those around him and he was constantly organising the defence from the base of midfield.
Sam Finley - 8
An industrious display by the midfielder who added plenty of energy and bite in the tackle, never allowing the hosts to settle into any kind of rhythm. That was particularly pertinent after the break where Rovers could have settled down but Finley’s endeavour and example kept them on the front foot.
Jordan Rossiter - 7
Was relentless in the middle of the park, something that was true of all his teammates in that area of the field but also linked the play well. It may seem strange but what also stood out was his defensive work, often getting back to cover space vacated when the full-backs bombed forward.
Antony Evans - 8
Rewarded with a start after his substitute appearance in midweek and showed more of the Evans of last season. Stationed just to the right of the Rovers attack, with the Gas almost in a 4-3-3 when in possession, the Liverpudlian linked well with Collins, his header evidence of his willingness to run in behind.
Aaron Collins - 9
He understandably cooled in the second half but the Welshman was an absolute menace for a Cheltenham backline that was visibly scared whenever the ball was in his vicinity. We also take those finishes for granted but he made both his goals look easy with the way he rounded Luke Southwood, plus there was a fine cross to set Evans up.
Ryan Loft - 6
Will have been frustrated not to have feasted on a meek Cheltenham defence in the first half and, in fairness, was close to scoring the second only for Evans to get ahead of him and convert Collins’ cross. Delivered his customary hard work in the final third and also occupied the centre-backs, making space for Collins to exploit.
Substitutes
Josh Coburn (for Loft, 70) - 6
Ran the channels and put in a real shift up front on his own as Barton solidified in midfield.
Harry Anderson (for Rossiter, 70) - 6
Nothing flashy from the utility man who carried out the game plan in the final 20 minutes.
Luke McCormick (for Finley, 80) - N/A
Trevor Clarke (for Collins, 90) - N/A
Luca Hoole (for Gibson, 90) - N/A
Subs not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Sylvester Jasper
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