Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Derby County: Connolly makes welcome return on tough afternoon

James Belshaw - 6

Had a front-row seat for a chastening first half for the 10 men in front of him, scooping the ball out of the net four times. Never had a chance with any of them, such was the quality of the chances gifted to Derby and the finishing from the Rams. He was heroic on Wednesday, but the Gas gave him no chance here.

James Gibbons - 4

Set the tone for a chastening first half with an equally risky and slack pass that played Hoole into trouble in the fifth minute. The centre-back was beaten to it and McGoldrick scored to make it 1-0. Difficult day for the right-back.

Luca Hoole - 4

Not the only player in League One who will be taken to school by David McGoldrick this season, with the veteran striker proving too strong and too intelligent, leaving Hoole in a spin for his second and Derby's third. In fairness, it was a tough challenge for Hoole to replace Lewis Gibson as the left centre-back in the back four. An unfamiliar position and Derby took advantage.

Bobby Thomas - 5

Continues to provide a big threat from set-pieces and he scored his third goal of the season, slamming into the roof of the net from close range after Coburn's header was stopped on the line. But Thomas was culpable at the other end almost instantly, attempting to play out from the back while under pressure from McGoldrick, who robbed the centre-back before curling a delightful finish into the far corner via the inside of the post.

Lewis Gordon - 5

One of a trio brought off 10 minutes into the second half. Not directly culpable for the goals shipped in the first half, but he was up against it and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing enjoyed the better of their duel.

Sam Finley (c) - 5

Fully committed to Rovers' attempts to play out from the back and beat the Derby press, but it played Rovers into trouble too often. Admittedly, some of the balls played to him facing his own goal were lacking the required power and precision. Cut a frustrated figure on an afternoon where little when to plan for the Gas, but the captain and the team as a whole deserve a pass after an otherwise brilliant month.

Jordan Rossiter - 5

A very similar tale to Finley. Like his midfield partner, he was swarmed on by the Derby midfield and it led to four first-half goals. Improved after the break and showed his leadership by trying to drive the team on and encouraging efforts to keep the ball and shift the defence.

Luke McCormick - 5

Was involved in some of Rovers' more promising forrays into Derby territory in the first half, but he was withdrawn in the second half as Joey Barton changed formation.

Antony Evans - 6

Dispatched his penalty with his usual aplomb to give the Gas a glimmer of hope going into half time, and his deliveries into the box caused one or two concerns for the Derby defence. Plugged away.

Aaron Collins - 5

Threatened when he got chances to run at the defence, but he did not make the most of those moments. Frustrating afternoon for the Welshman.

Josh Coburn - 5

Caused the defence problems when he got the direct service and his looping header led to Thomas scoring to make it 3-1 before being tripped by Conor Hourihane to win the penalty in first-half stoppage time. Fired straight at Wildsmith in the second half when he might have crossed for Collins instead.

Substitutes

James Connolly (for Hoole on 56') - 7

A welcome return for the centre-back after two months out with a back injury. Stiffened the defence and will prove an asset in the coming weeks.

Scott Sinclair (for McCormick on 56') - 7

Bright cameo, producing Rovers' best moment of an uneventful second stanza after the first-half chaos. He drove at the defence and his deflected shot forced an excellent save from Wildsmith. His most minutes by far since returning to the club, meaning he could soon be in starting contention.

Trevor Clarke (for Gordon on 56') - 6

Showed intent to beat defenders on the ball without success, but he cleared his lines relatively effectively. Had to go off with a knock late on and will hope for good news from the medical staff.

Harvey Saunders (for Clarke on 84) - NA

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Alfie Kilgour, Zain Westbrooke.

SIGN UP: To receive our free Rovers newsletter, bringing you the latest from the Mem

READ NEXT:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.