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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Charlton Athletic: John Marquis transforms game off the bench

James Belshaw - 7

Was a busy man early on after Charlton caretaker manager Anthony Hayes fired his team up for a fast start, and Belshaw made a number of strong saves to keep the Gas on level terms until Ryan Inniss headed the opener from a corner. Belshaw had a defender on the post and Rovers will have been frustrated they allowed it to creep in. But from there, Belshaw gradually became a peripheral figure in the game as the Gas took control.

Bobby Thomas - 7

Another confident display in the bank for the youngster. Did his best to keep Rovers on level terms in the first half and was untroubled after the pause, when he was asked to move into the centre of the back three. Another player on the impressive list of loan signings Joey Barton has made for the Gas.

James Connolly - 6

Rovers were on the back foot early doors and Connolly had plenty of defending to do up against the physical Jayden Stockley. The Gas centre-half did well to deny the Addicks skipper a chance from a menacing low cross, positioning himself perfectly to clear. There were a couple of stray passes, but nothing that caused any damage, before he was taken off at half time, presumably with a knock.

Lewis Gibson - 8

Unfazed by a tricky start for the Gas, Gibson defended with composure throughout, reading moments of danger and dealing with them efficiently. A pivotal player in this team now he is up to full fitness.

Scott Sinclair - 6

Not at his best in the first half, but he was more influential after the change of shape when Marquis came on. Sinclair took up more central positions and caused problems aplenty.

Antony Evans - 7

He bleeds blue and white and his dedication to make sure the Gas got over the line was admirable. Offered glimpses of quality in a game that was often scrappy and went close with a couple of long-range efforts, but he was dogged throughout and gave Rovers the bite they might have lacked without Sam Finley and Jordan Rossiter.

Paul Coutts (c) - 7

Rovers lacked control in the opening quarter, but the captain was crucial in settling things down and allowing the Gas to rebuild. He has had a fine career, but he can't have assisted many with a header 70 yards from goal. He did exactly that, measuring his header from an awkward clearance perfectly to release Marquis on goal.

Luke McCormick - 5

In the absence of Finley and Rossiter, he got a deserved start after impressing in the EFL Trophy in midweek. Brought plenty of intent, but he and Gordon were not always on the same wavelength down the left side and it made some attacks break down. McCormick linked well with Evans a couple of times in the build-up to half time, creating chances to shoot from distance, but he was sacrificed soon after the interval to make way for the extra striker in John Marquis.

Lewis Gordon of Bristol Rovers. (Juan Gasparini/JMP)

Lewis Gordon - 7

Took up good areas but chances for him to link well with McCormick were not capitalised on in the first half. Regardless, Gordon was equal to a difficult defensive task against Charlton's threats out wide and he offered great energy throughout.

Josh Coburn - 8

Such a rounded player for such a young man. His hold-up work was fantastic and he showed great intelligence to allow the ball to run for Marquis in the build-up to the winner. Deserved a goal of his own, but he is worth more than just goals to his team.

Aaron Collins - 7

Not quite at his brilliant best in the wake of a heavy knock in the game on Tuesday, but he was still effective in bursts. When he got the ball in dangerous areas, he caused Charlton huge problems, with a smart reverse pass to release Coburn his best contribution of the afternoon.

John Marquis of Bristol Rovers celebrates with his teammates after scoring at Charlton. (Juan Gasparini/JMP)

Substitutes

Luca Hoole (for Connolly on 46') - 8

Introduced at the break and his upturn in confidence after a strong showing in midweek was apparent. As the right-sided centre-half, not only did he contain the dangerous Corey Blackett-Taylor and Steven Sessegnon, but he carried the ball forward well, too.

John Marquis (for McCormick on 55') - 10

Two match-winning goals and a transformative impact on his teammates – you cannot ask for more from a substitute. The striker gave the Gas the spark they were lacking. He harassed the defence to create the equaliser for himself, and he mustered an equally clinical finish for his second goal to turn the game on its head.

Glenn Whelan (for Sinclair on 82') - 7

Played the percentages and eased Rovers over the line to victory.

James Gibbons (for Collins on 90+1') - N/A

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Alfie Kilgour, Harvey Saunders.

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