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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Exeter City: Rossiter transformative as Loft levels at the last

James Belshaw - 5

Had very little to do in the first half as Rovers nullified Exeter's attacking threat. Had no chance of keeping out Jevani Brown's perfect penalty, but he was at fault for Sam Nombe's likely winner when he ran out to head clear and the ball bounced over his head. No-one would have been happier with Loft's equaliser, but Gasheads still sang Belshaw's name at the end. Deserved support after all the fantastic things he has done for Rovers.

Luca Hoole - 8

Made a welcome return after international duty and was never in a moment's trouble. Rovers were much more solid with him in the side.

Bobby Thomas - 8

Exerted his physical superiority well over Exeter's frontline, clearing every ball that came in his direction. Rovers gameplan meant by and large, Exeter were blunted, but Thomas made sure they stayed solid.

Lewis Gordon - 8

Making a case for the left centre-back role with his best performance for Rovers yet. Made countless clearances and

Jordan Rossiter - 8

Underpinned a dogged display, having a transformative effect on the solidity of Rovers midfield. Made countless interceptions and stopped Exeter from finding a flow. Did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Sam Finley (c) - 8

Battled away and offered poise in midfield in a game that was otherwise scrappy. Played a brilliant pass to release Jasper for the equaliser.

Antony Evans - 6

Tasked with filling the void at right wing-back with Harry Anderson out. Did a good job for 99 per cent of the contest but he was the man that gave away the penalty that gave Exeter a route back into the game. Can't complain too much given his unfamiliarity in the job.

Luke McCormick - 7

Was asked by his manager to do the left wing-back job and stood up to the task well. A minimal impact in attack, but he defended very well and allowed little to come down his side.

Aaron Collins - 8

Was the thorn in Exeter's side in the first half, posing a constant threat on the counter-attack and he was giving makeshift centre-back Josh Key plenty to worry about. Went closest before the break with a curling shot that snuck just wide of a worried Jamal Blackman's goal. Got Rovers up and running with a brilliant assist, taking his number of goal involvements to 10 in 11 games.

Archie Collins of Exeter City is challenged by Aaron Collins of Bristol Rovers. (Frankie OKeeffe/PPAUK)

John Marquis - 7

Back in the XI and got a much-needed goal, making no mistakes from Collins' cross. Worked incredibly hard.

Ryan Loft - 8

Like Marquis, he applied plenty of pressure to the Exeter backline and he offered Rovers a focal point. Came up with a huge equaliser in stoppage time, heading home Jasper's cross.

Substitutes

Sylvester Jasper (for McCormick on 82') - 8

Showed the X-factor he can give Rovers by darting behind Jake Caprice and standing up a perfect cross for Loft to equalise in stoppage time.

Alfie Kilgour (for Collins on 90+2') - N/A

Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Paul Coutts, Trevor Clarke, Harvey Saunders, Glenn Whelan.

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