Anssi Jaakkola - 6
The big Finn was his usual vocal self, cajoling and organising at the back but, in truth, outside of a few goal kicks and some terse words at corners to keep his defence on their toes, his main role was trying to keep warm throughout the 90 minutes as MK Dons offered minimal attacking threat until Mo Eisa fired a late penalty to his left.
Luca Hoole - 7
A great way to return to the starting XI after a period in which the young Welshman looked to have suffered a bit of a dip in confidence. In the defending that he had to do, he was efficient and kept it simple while his goal gave the Gas the platform for which they went on to win the tie. It was also a smart finish, readjusting his body as Rossiter’s cross was ever so slightly behind him.
Bobby Thomas - 7
Moved into a central role, having mostly been used on the right of the three, but the young Burnley loanee was authoritative and dominant in denying the visitors any penalty box penetration. Just an increasingly dependable presence at the heart of the Gas backline.
James Connolly - 7
Again, similar to his defensive colleagues, Connolly didn’t have an awful lot to do all night but when called upon he denied the opposition forwards time and space and was always a willing passing option when the Gas were in possession.
James Gibbons - 7
Understandably he doesn’t offer the same attacking threat or finesse as the man he replaced in the Gas line-up, Scott Sinclair, but Gibbons is a different kind of wing-back and he backed Hoole up well with the two often taking it in turns to move forward, with the other then tucking inside.
Jordan Rossiter - 8
Until his injury, he was running the game. It’s hard to describe his performance without using the word “tenacious” but the Scouser embodies that adjective with everything he does. But beyond that, his quick ball movement and the way he drives forward from deep constantly keeps them moving forward. Barton will hope it’s not a serious issue as the midfielder departed the game just before half-time.
Luke McCormick - 7
Bright, inventive and a welcome return to the side. McCormick was busy on both sides of the ball and delivered plenty of creativity in the final third plus a few thunderous challenges in the middle of the park.
Lewis Gordon - 6
A solid performance as he held his position well, and darted in to make a few telling interceptions. His pass intended for Collins in the opening 10 minutes deserved an assist but outside of that moment he wasn’t able to get forward that often.
Antony Evans - 7
It ended up a painful evening for the playmaker after he sustained a hip injury late on but he provided the assist for the killer second goal and was his usual elegant self through the lines. Did raise a laugh towards the end when he almost cleared the Thatchers End with a free kick.
Aaron Collins - N/A
Looked set to open the scoring only to suffer a bizarre injury which left the Welshman in severe discomfort and unable to continue.
John Marquis - 8
Couldn’t quite get his game going at first but delivered two high-quality finishes of differing nature to put the game beyond MK Dons. The first from an acute angle after Coburn’s miscue and the second, which was even better, on the run with his right foot from range. With the right supply, as he received tonight, he’s a potent weapon at the top of the Gas attack.
Substitutes
Josh Coburn (for Collins, 14) - 6
Put himself about as ever but would have been frustrated not to have converted Evans’ cross only to inadvertently set up Marquis.
Paul Coutts (for Rossiter, 45) - 7
Replaced Rossiter just before half-time and kept the tempo up for the Gas as they turned the screw after the break.
Harvey Saunders (for Coburn, 68) - 7
A fine finish by the forward moments after he replaced Coburn.
Alfie Kilgour (for Thomas, 68) - 5
Not an ideal night for the defender as he was somewhat harshly sent off for a foul on Mo Eisa within 10 minutes of his introduction. It looked a harsh call given Eisa had lost control of the ball.
Scott Sinclair (for Gordon, 68) - 6
Moved into a central forward’s role and ensured the Gas remained on the front foot, even when a man down.
SIGN UP: To receive our free Rovers newsletter, bringing you the latest from the Mem
