James Belshaw - 8
Rovers' sweeper-keeper proved a valuable asset once again, policing the space behind the high line that Crawley tried time and again to exploit. Made crucial first-half saves to keep out Ashley Nadesan and Nick Tsaroulla and added another just after the break to paw away Kwesi Appiah's header. Rovers have relied on his heroics less and less of late with their control in games improving, but he was required tonight and he delivered.
Luca Hoole - 8
Showed every side of his game with his involvement in the second goal, intercepting a pass and racing forward before picking out fellow Welshman Aaron Collins with an excellent cross. Impossible to tell for sure through the mass of bodies, but appeared to be the man to clear the ball off the line in the dying moments. He curled in another fine cross for Elliot Anderson, but the Geordie could not quite convert the headed chance.
Connor Taylor - 7
His return to the XI after missing the second half on Saturday was crucial, with his aerial prowess helping to deal with Crawley's direct tactics.
James Connolly - 7
A couple of sloppy moments early doors gifted chances to Crawley, but he moved the ball well as usual and defended the box manfully late on.
Nick Anderton - 8
Threw his body in front of Nadesan to deny the striker a shooting chance and applied several important clearing headers in the closing stages to get Rovers over the line.
Paul Coutts (c) - 8
Lucky not to be punished for a weak backward header that gifted Nadesan an early chance, but the Scotsman was excellent thereafter. Controlled the game
Sam Finley - 7
Several inspired passes got Rovers moving forwards, showing why he will be a crucial part of the run-in. With a two-game ban looming as the deadline nears, he trod carefully to avoid a 10th yellow card while not taking any of the aggression out of his game. Taken off with 15 to play to ensure he is available for Saturday's visit of Harrogate.
Harry Anderson - 8
His excellent form continued by breaking the deadlock with a cool finish as half time approached, showing his alertness to run onto a ball that was intended for the offside Collins and sliding the ball beneath the goalkeeper. Looked at home on the right-wing, defended from the front and applied intense pressure to the Crawley defence.
Antony Evans - 8
Enjoyed a much more influential role than in Saturday's defeat at Newport, albeit his assist for the opening goal was perhaps a tad fortunate with Harry Anderson an unintended recipient of his through ball.
Elliot Anderson - 8
Created countless moments of panic in the first half with his trademark mazy dribbling, and he created a wonderful chance for Collins after the break with a pinpoint through ball. Should have done better with a headed chance that bounced over, but a good performance.
Aaron Collins - 8
Threatened with seemingly every touch he had in the first-half, but a goal proved elusive for the striker. Went close with a lofted effort over the onrushing Glenn Morris that landed on the roof of the net, but Collins did get on the scoresheet just a few minutes later with an excellent touch and finish from Hoole's cross to make it 2-0. Led the line well up against a physical defence, enjoying a hard battle with Tony Craig.
Substitutes
Glenn Whelan (for Finley on 70') - 7
Helped calm things down when Crawley battled for an equaliser.
Ryan Loft (for Collins on 90') - N/A
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Cian Harries, Trevor Clarke, Luke Thomas, Harvey Saunders.
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