James Belshaw - 5
Almost impossible to mark given he made at least three crucial saves to keep Rovers in the contest - especially in the first half - but then had two significant brain fades as Exeter pulled off a stunning comeback, most notably as he completely misjudged Jamal Blackman’s big boot forward for Sam Nombe’s winner.
Luca Hoole - 5
When considering him as a traditional right-back, Hoole didn’t do a lot wrong, really. The issue was that given Rovers’ narrow midfield he was more than likely asked to play aggressively and attack Jack Sparkes, something he rarely managed to do, leading to his withdrawal at the interval.
Bobby Thomas - 6
Probably the individual who embodied this performance this most; at times, he was sublime with a mixture of aggression, elegance and perfect timing but, then again, he was the centre-piece of a defence that conceded four goals, two of which were scored by a player very much in his constant vicinity in Nombe.
Lewis Gibson - 5
Didn’t have the best of first halves as Nombe made some penetrative runs down his channel and was then switched out to left-back for the second 45 as Barton re-jigged his system. Was solid enough and linked well at times with Sinclair but ultimately didn’t do his bread and butter at the back consistently enough.
Lewis Gordon - 6
There were a few early moments when the left-back chopped inside and dribbled infield where Exeter looked troubled but he was unable to build on that start and found himself increasingly pegged back by the visitors’ attack. Taken off at half-time as Barton tried to kick-start the Gas into life.
Paul Coutts - 6
Neat and tidy with plenty of snap in the tackle as you’d expect from the Scot but, at the same time, he probably didn’t gain as much control of the game as he’d have liked over, with Archie Collins particularly influential for the visitors.
Sam Finley - 6
Great to see him back in the starting XI, although he did look like a player who’s been out injured in a first half where he couldn’t quite get his foot on the ball - although he wasn’t the only one guilty of that. Much better in the second period as he played more on the front foot and it shouldn’t be too long until we see the best of Finley again.
Antony Evans - 5
A touch harsh because in a static midfield and with Rovers trying to find some rhythm he at least tried to make something happen. However, it was an evening where nothing really went right for the midfielder and the way he conceded possession on halfway leading to Exeter’s second was unfortunately emblematic of his 45 minutes, hence why he was replaced at the break. A rare blip.
Aaron Collins - 8
Frustrating in the first half but absolutely inspired after the break. He got the Gas going again with a blistering strike, set up Coburn for the equaliser and then won the penalty for which Sinclair scored from the spot. Full of energy and endeavour, he deserved to be on the winning team.
Ryan Loft - 6
Battled away as you’d expect from the big striker and will no doubt have a few bumps and bruises to nurse over the next 48 hours after a real battle with Cheick Diabate. Possibly could have been given a little more protection against Exeter’s physicality back there but it was a lively old tussle.
Josh Coburn - 7
It’s testament to Coburn’s position that he played the full 90 minutes, leading the line against an Exeter defence doing everything in their power to throw him off his game. But Coburn remained resilient and his patience and persistence were rewarded with his goal.
Substitutes
Harry Anderson (for Hoole, 46) - 6
Brought on to inject some life down the flanks after a narrow first 45 minutes and did make a couple of penetrative runs. Could have done better to close down Stansfield in the build-up for the third goal.
James Connolly (for Gordon, 46) - 6
One brilliant block to deny Jevani Brown a certain goal but, like Thomas, didn’t provide the necessary composure at the end to see the game out and was caught on his heels for the winner.
Scott Sinclair (for Evans, 46) - 6
Fired the Gas ahead with a wonderfully-taken penalty under pressure and provided some additional penetration in the final third without ever really troubling Blackman.
John Marquis (for Loft, 64) - 6
Could, and probably should, have put the game out of sight at 3-2 when presented with a golden chance 12 yards out but took a touch too long, allowing Blackman to save.
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