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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Mansfield Town: Taylor shows his value with Hoole solid

James Belshaw - 7

Had very little to do between the sticks, making a couple of routine saves. Patrolled the space in behind his defence to clear dangerous balls.

Luca Hoole - 8

Signed a new contract in the week and followed it up with an assured performance to ensure the league's in-form side rarely threatened Rovers' goal.

Connor Taylor - 8

Made a vital challenge as the last man when Rhys Oates bore down on goal. Won more than his fair share of headers, making Rovers much more secure at the back after his one-game absence.

James Connolly - 7

Relished the physical battle and won several important headers to preserve the clean sheet, though he and Anderton should have communicated better when trying to clear the same loose ball late on. Fortunately, the moment of danger did not materialise.

Nick Anderton - 7

Won many aerial duels and gave very little change defensively. A couple of frustrating lax touches slowed things down with Rovers chasing a winner, but he played his part in a clean sheet, albeit he and Connolly were a tad fortunate after colliding going for the same bouncing ball late on.

Paul Coutts (c) - 7

Had to manage the ball cautiously in the first half with the wind against Rovers. Helped Rovers control long periods of the second half and made a vital challenge when Mansfield had a two versus one on the counter-attack.

Sam Finley - 6

Picked up a silly yellow card for a late challenge on Matty Longstaff, but Finley managed himself well with Mansfield sure to try to wind him. Not at his best, but there were moments of quality and this was a massive improvement after his blip on Tuesday night.

Harry Anderson - 6

Had his moments and worked tirelessly, but his decision to shoot when Sam Nicholson was free in the box was questionable.

Elliot Anderson - 6

Things happened when he got hold of the ball, but he did not see enough possession in dangerous areas, very much in keeping with a scrappy game.

Sam Nicholson - 6

Contained in the first half with the Gas playing against the wind. Had the beating of Lucas Akins every time, creating several moments of opportunity for the Gas but they amounted to nothing for Rovers. Will wonder what he could have done if H Anderson had spotted him in space in the second half.

Aaron Collins - 6

A very quiet first half but Rovers started finding him with regularity after the break. He was incandescent when he wasn't awarded a penalty after a challenge from John-Joe O'Toole. Instead, Collins was given a yellow card. Worked so hard without reward this time.

Substitutes

Harvey Saunders (for H Anderson on 88') - N/A

Energetic but not enough time to make a telling impact.

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Cian Harries, Pablo Martinez, Glenn Whelan, Sion Spence, Luke Thomas.

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