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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Peterborough: Sinclair and Finley star in fine performance

James Belshaw - 7

Another quiet afternoon between the sticks and he would have been delighted to witness a fine defensive performance. Rovers gave very little away, but when they did Belshaw bailed them out, saving from Ricky Jade-Jones in the 90th minute after Gordon's lapse.

Bobby Thomas - 8

Looks at home in the back three, defending stoutly and showing comfort driving out from the back with the ball. Played his part in perhaps the best defensive performance of the season so far. Posh had very little joy all afternoon.

James Connolly - 8

Had a nervous moment in the first half when he gifted possession to Jack Marriott in the area, but fortunately, it came to nothing. That brief lapse excluded, Connolly was excellent, giving very little change to a Peterborough side renowned for its attacking prowess.

Lewis Gibson - 8

Will be kicking himself that he didn't score his first goal for the Gas, but that frustration will quickly fade. Looks an ideal fit on the left of the back three. Showed a great blend of old-school and new-school defending; he was physical when he needed to be, but he is never short of poise on the ball.

Scott Sinclair - 8

What a moment. The goal against Rochdale was a special moment, but this was even better as Sinclair struck what turned out to be the winner by finishing off a sensational move. He certainly enjoyed it, celebrating jubilantly in front of the Thatchers Terrace. He was brilliant throughout, with a couple of unfortunate slips denying him chances to break into the box. Showed his smarts at the death by winning three cheap corners to kill the clock.

Sam Finley (c) - 9

Captain's performance. Pulled the strings in the first half without quite pulling apart the defence, but he did precisely that in the second half. The change in shape has enabled him to get on the front foot and he took up a brilliant position to receive the ball from Collins and play in Sinclair for the opening goal. Delighted the crowd time and again with some excellent challenges; he's Gas to the core.

Jordan Rossiter - 8

Tigerish as ever, serving as the perfect foil for Finley and Evans to go and do the business in the final third. He may not be a shining light in this team, but he is the enabler that makes it all tick.

Antony Evans - 8

Went close to scoring in the first half with a shot whistling past the post and a second effort that was brilliantly blocked by Ronnie Edwards. Undeterred, he remained on the front foot all afternoon, playing a pivotal role in Rovers press. Will be a little annoyed he did not make more of a late chance to wrap it up, but another strong performance banked from the midfielder.

Lewis Gordon - 8

Had hearts in mouths with a defensive header he got all wrong in the 90th minute but Belshaw was there to bail him out. That aside, Gordon continues to grow as a Rovers player, making an increasing impact in attack with each passing game. Could have had an assist if not for Edwards' brilliant block from Evans shot.

Aaron Collins - 8

Strange for him to go a game without a goals or an assist, but he was still hugely influential. Gave the defence a torrid afternoon and he played his part in the winner with a trademark strafing run before feeding Finley, who laid on the chance for Sinclair.

Josh Coburn - 8

Joey Barton made a bold claim in the build-up, ranking Coburn among League One's top strikers, but it's not a stretch to associate the Middlesbrough loanee with that company. At just 19 years old, he can do a bit of everything. Always took up good positions, pressed hard and he did brilliantly to force the red card. He's going to be some player; he's already very good.

Substitutes

James Gibbons (for Evans on 90+4) - N/A

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Alfie Kilgour, Trevor Clarke, Luke McCormick, Harvey Saunders, John Marquis.

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