Bristol Rovers beat Crewe Alexandra 2-1 in League Two – here’s how we rated the players
(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers moved six points clear of the League Two relegation zone, thanks to a late brace from Tommy Leigh to beat play-off chasing Crewe Alexandra 2-1.
Alfie Pond opened the scoring for the Railwaymen after 17 minutes, with Rovers struggling throughout the first-half. Steve Evans made a triple change at the break, though, including Leigh, who scored in the 87th and 92nd minutes, respectively, to secure a fourth win in their last five at home for the hosts.
Bristol Live’s Bristol Rovers writer Will Murray gives his verdict and ratings on the Gas players…
READ MORE: Ritchie Bates interview notebook: Bristol Rovers CEO on communication, The Mem redevelopment and reducing financial lossesREAD MORE: ‘Noise levels resembled Elland Road’ with Bristol Rovers late win over Crewe AlexandraBrad Young – 7
Another game. Another solid performance from the in-form Brad Young. The Rovers shot-stopper was extremely unlucky for the first goal, making a smart low stop to deny Pond before the ball deflected off Crewe’s number 25 into the back of the net.
When called upon, Young made important saves, including tipping a Mickey Demetriou header over the bar in the second half.
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Joel Senior – 7.5
Rovers lacked cohesion and width in the first-half, which obviously didn’t help Joel Senior, who started as the right-back in a 4-4-2 diamond. He had a strong second half, including a delightful delivery to find Leigh’s head for the equaliser. Looked far more comfortable as a right wing-back and was one of Rovers’ biggest attacking threats after the break.
Kofi Balmer – 7
Like Young, Balmer is becoming known for his consistent performances, and today was no different. He won a number of duels, in the air and on the ground, and caused Crewe all sorts of problems with his long throws, especially in the second half.
(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)
Alfie Kilgour – 7.5
I thought Alfie Kilgour was back to his best. It started with a vital interception to stop a Crewe counter in the first-half after Kane Thompson-Sommers. He also won six out of seven aerial duels and was unfortunate not to profit from Balmer’s long throws on a couple of occasions. A captain’s display.
Jack Sparkes – 7
Given it was his first start since the 3-1 defeat at Cambridge United on February 14, Jack Sparkes was a constant threat on the left-hand side and looked back to the player who impressed in the first few games under Evans. Defensively, he won four out of four duels, and his delivery to the backpost caused the visitors problems throughout.
Richie Smallwood – 7
Richie Smallwood was the last January signing under Evans and has slotted in seamlessly into midfield. Alongside Kilgour, he recovered to deny Crewe in the 11th minute, when they had an overload on the counter attack.
He looks particularly comfortable alongside Ryan De Havilland, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see the two start together on Tuesday.
(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)
Clinton Mola – 7
Clinton Mola returned to the centre of midfield for the first time since the defeat at Cambridge after filling in at left-back against Grimsby and Swindon. After a shaky first-half from the majority of the team, he slotted in at centre-half in a back three and looked comfortable in dealing with the Crewe threat.
A versatile player who has been one of the biggest success stories under Evans.
Yusuf Akhamrich – 5.5
Yusuf Akhamrich came off at half-time today, as an injury precaution, with Evans confirming post-match that “It’s nothing serious. It should be a couple of days.”
The youngster struggled to affect the game in the first-half – starting as the highest midfielder in the diamond. With two games next week, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him rested in at least one, to keep him fresh for the run-in.
Kane Thompson-Sommers – 6
Thompson-Sommers was one of three players to be withdrawn at half-time, following a “poor” first 45. After a couple of bright displays against Grimsby Town and Swindon Town, the MK Dons loanee didn’t look at his best today, but the formation didn’t help any of the starting eleven.
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Ellis Harrison – 5.5
Ellis Harrison also struggled in the first-half, snatching at a chance in the 14th minute and getting booked for a late tackle 12 minutes before half-time. Given how energetic Fabrizio Cavegn was when he came on, it feels like the Swiss striker could return to the starting lineup at Barrow.
Joe Quigley – 7
No matter what happens, Joe Quigley is always heavily involved, with Rovers constantly looking to find him to get up the pitch. In the second half, he excelled, bringing others into play and combining well with the busy Cavegn. He could have scored, but missed a couple of half-chances.
He has shown he gives much more than just goals, and he was a key part of Rovers’ dominance after the break.
Substitutes:Fabrizio Cavegn – 6.5
Harrison and Quigley, as a pairing, are very one-dimensional, and Cavegn’s introduction led to Rovers playing much shorter passes in possession, with the 23-year-old constantly chasing down lost causes and looking to run in behind, without any clear-cut chances falling his way. He deserves a start at Barrow.
Ryan De Havilland – 7
A really steady player who doesn’t do anything spectacular, but adds a real calmness to Rovers in the middle of the park. De Havilland and Smallwood have proven to be a solid pairing, and could be the midfield two on Tuesday.
Tommy Leigh – 8.5
What an impact. Leigh was energetic when he came on at half-time as a number 10, and was one of the very few Rovers players who looked like creating something. He also showed a clinical side to his game, with two very well-taken goals, including the half-volley in the 92nd minute to send the Thatchers End wild.
(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)
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