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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Swindon Town: Anderson and McCormick stake claims in cup win

Anssi Jaakkola - 7

Does not play often these days, but the Scandanavian has the same old authority on the pitch; you wouldn't want to be on the end of a rollicking from the big Finn, who raged at Thomas after merely conceding a cheap throw. Saved well from Morgan Roberts from a narrow angle before half time and he made an important clearance as Harry Parsons tried to run in on goal. Untested in the second half.

Luca Hoole - 7

A smooth performance from the Welshman, who started the evening at right-back and finished at centre-half. Played well on the front foot when he was out wide and never found himself in trouble at the back.

Alfie Kilgour (c) - 7

His first appearance since the previous game in his competition and he did his cause no harm. Moved the ball well and dealt with the few questions that Swindon were able to ask him defensively.

Bobby Thomas - 7

A quiet night on the whole, but he stayed switched on against the nine men, making an important clearance to deny Tomi Adeloyle a shot shortly before being replaced.

Trevor Clarke - 8

Showed positive intent throughout, raiding forward up the left flank at every opportunity and capped his evening with a lovely pass into the channel for McCormick to chase and make it 3-0.

Jerry Lawrence - 6

His first appearance since signing his first professional contract earlier this month and he would have been pleased to be back in action after missing the previous EFL Trophy game with a groin injury. Made a couple of nice passes without finding himself at the heart of the action. Withdrawn at half time.

Zain Westbrooke - 6

This was a familiar performance, handling the ball cleanly without leaving much of a lasting impression on the game. Admittedly, it must be hard for him to find his groove with his playing chances limited, Was taken off midway through the second half because he was surplus to requirements against the nine men, with Barton opting to bolster his attack.

Luke McCormick - 8

Played like a man with a point to prove. Of course, he is a team player, but he returned to Rovers to be in the starting XI and this was a chance to impress. He played with great intent and created a good chance for Lawrence after stealing possession in midfield and leaving Harries trailing in his wake. He continued in the same vein in the second half and scored a deserved goal, slotting beneath the sprawling Sol Brynn.

Harry Anderson - 8

Opened his account for the season in stunning style. He fancied his chances all evening and found the top corner at the near post with a bullet from the corner of the box that caught Brynn totally off guard. The fact he has been more of a bench player in the league in recent weeks shows the depth Barton now has at his disposal. A really nice weapon to have in the arsenal.

Josh Coburn - 7

The 19-year-olf showed just how refined his game is at a tender age with the move that got Ciaran Brennan sent off in the first half. With the defender on a booking, Coburn controlled the ball and turned in behind in one movement, forcing the centre-back to bring him down for a second yellow. Showed plenty of muscle leading the line, but he will be frustrated to hit the bar from close range shortly before being taken off.

Sylvester Jasper - 7

Finished the night with one assist and he could have had a couple more. He was relatively quiet in the first half but relished the space he was afforded in the second half. Fed Coburn with cross that the striker turned onto the bar before Jasper split the defence with a through ball for Loft for the opener. Snatched at a chance of his own late on.

Substitutes

Ryan Loft (for Lawrence on 46') - 8

With Swindon in the mire, a bruising centre forward like Loft was the last person they wanted to see coming off the bench. Made a quickfire impact on the potency of the attack and opened the scoring with real panache, chipping the ball over the onrushing Brynn.

Sam Finley (for Westbrooke on 67') - 7

Hooked a brilliant pass over the top for Collins to chase but the striker didn't take the chance.

Antony Evans (for Thomas on 67') - 7

Clearly wanted to stretch his scoring run into a third game but it proved elusive. Still offered a big threat against an exposed defence off the bench.

Aaron Collins (for Coburn on 67') - 6

Would have been licking his lips when he was brought on against the nine men, but it was an unexpectedly frustrating outing for Collins, whose usual quality finishing eluded him. We'll let him off after his exploits at the weekend...

Not used: James Belshaw, Lewis Gordon, Paul Coutts.

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