James Belshaw - 7
Did not have a save to make until four minutes into the second half, easily getting behind Bradley Johnson's header. May never have had a quieter evening in goal.
James Gibbons - 7
The hosts mustered very little down his flank to concern him, but Gibbons handled his defensive duties well. Provided a great chance to break the deadlock, hooking a cross back into the centre for Gibson but Jamie Cumming made a superb save. Withdrawn with 20 minutes to play, with the full-back building his way to full fitness.
Bobby Thomas - 8
Kept things nice and simple, but that was the order of the evening with MK Dons posing very little threat to Rovers goal. Moved the ball forward efficiently and reliably cleared his lines.
Lewis Gibson - 8
Brought back into the starting XI after getting minutes in the Cambridge win, and Barton was vindicated for his selection with the centre-back delivering a fine performance. Was smooth on the ball, defended stoutly and was unlucky to be denied a goal by a fine save from Cumming.
Lewis Gordon - 7
Continues to flourish with another composed performance at left-back. Will have many tougher tests than this, with MK were blunted, but he completed the duties asked of him.
Paul Coutts (c) - 8
Captain composed. Kept things ticking over nicely in midfield and showed intent to win the ball back, upping the tempo for the Gas after the break.
Jordan Rossiter - 7
Seemed surplus to requirements in the first half with MK showing very little attacking ambition, but he still played well and was unlucky not to score with a brilliant strike from long range in the second half.
Luke McCormick - 6
Still striving for rhythm since his return to Rovers, snatching at a couple of opportunities, but he grafted hard and played his part to starve MK of possession in midfield.
Aaron Collins - 7
Chances were at a premium for the Welshman, but he still posed a threat and looked like the man who could create the chance to break the game open. Almost created the opener for Loft with a fine cross and wreaked havoc with one run forward in the second half without reward.
Ryan Loft - 8
This was not a free-flowing game with chances galore fore the forwards, but Loft grafted hard and gave an experienced backline a torrid evening. He was rewarded by winning the penalty that defined the game, being hauled down by Bradley Johnson. A real team-first performance.
Josh Coburn - 7
May not have got on the scoresheet like his full debut, but there was plenty of good bits of hold-up play to give the Gas platforms to attack.
Substitutes
Sam Finley (for McCormick on 62') - 7
A brilliant substitute to call on. Added intent and quality in midfield.
Antony Evans (for Coburn on 71') - 8
The miss in the shootout at Plymouth last month may have been lingering in his mind, but he was nerveless with the penalty and he almost created a second goal for the Gas with a regain on the edge of the area.
Luca Hoole (for Gibbons on 71') - 7
Largely untested but was solid in clearing his lines.
Harry Anderson (for Collins on 83) - 8
Had the travelling fans singing his name with a very smart performance to kill the clock.
Not used: Anssi Jaakkola, Trevor Clarke, Sylvester Jasper.
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