Bristol Rovers player ratings as Gas win fifth consecutive home game - 'what a performance'

Bristol Rovers beat Fleetwood Town 1-0 in League Two to make it five straight home wins- here’s how we rated the players

20:03, 03 Apr 2026Updated 20:44, 03 Apr 2026

Full time celebrations for Brad Young of Bristol Rovers after the Sky Bet League 2 match between Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town at Memorial Stadium, Bristol on 3 April 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Bristol Rovers secured their fifth consecutive victory at The Mem to move 16 points clear of the League Two relegation zone.

Brad Young saved an Ethan Ennis penalty in the first-half, before Joe Quigley scored the only goal of the game in the 66th minute after coming on in the second half. Despite some late Fleetwood pressure, the Gas held on to secure another victory in front of a bumper crowd at The Mem.

Bristol Live’s Bristol Rovers writer Will Murray gives his verdict and ratings on the Gas players…

What a performance from Brad Young. His penalty save to deny Ennis was brilliant, and he also made an excellent stop with his body in the 72nd minute to keep out Jordan Davies’ effort from close range. Fleetwood had 14 shots and an xG of 3.04, but were unable to find a way past Young.

Kofi Balmer – 6

Kofi Balmer’s challenge for Fleetwood’s penalty was reckless, and he was rightfully booked. After a sloppy first-half, the 25-year-old improved after the break, and made some important interceptions, as the Gas held on for a hard-fought victory.

While the foul for the penalty looked outside of the box, the tackle on Will Davies could have easily resulted in a red card.

Alfie Kilgour – (off for Tommy Leigh, 54′) – 5.5

Alfie Kilgour was taken off in the 54th minute – five minutes after he misread a long ball forward that allowed Ched Evans to run through on goal – but the Fleetwood striker dragged his shot wide.

Not his most convincing display, despite his recent good form.

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Riley Harbottle – 7

Riley Harbottle did well in a physical battle against Evans and stood firm after Quigley’s opener, with Rovers switching to a back four. His brave block to deny Harrison Neal in the 93rd minute summed up his performance. Committed and solid throughout.

Joel Senior – 6

Like Kilgour, today wasn’t Joel Senior’s best display, but it is worth noting that he’s been one of the standout players in recent weeks.

The right wing-back was sloppy in possession at times and didn’t create much in attack. However, he was solid defensively against a dangerous Fleetwood side.

Joel Senior of Bristol Rovers on the ball during the Sky Bet League 2 match between Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town at Memorial Stadium, Bristol on 3 April 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Jack Sparkes – 7

Jack Sparkes dealt with the threat of Ennis well in the first-half and put the ball on a plate from a corner for Quigley’s header. Evans revealed post-match that the left wing-back had rolled his ankle after they had made their fifth and final sub. Despite his injury, he continued and helped Rovers grind out the victory.

Richie Smallwood – 7

A battling display from Richie Smallwood. He won four out of five duels, and, as usual, provided a calming presence in the middle of the pitch. In games like today, when you’re not quite at your best, you need leaders like Smallwood to drag you through to the final whistle. He did that today and continues to be a brilliant addition.

Clinton Mola – (off for Ryan De Havilland, 46′) – 6

Evans said post-match that “Clinton Mola had a poor game today”. The 25-year-old wasn’t quite his aggressive, front-footed self off the ball today. As a result, he was taken off at half-time by the head coach.

Shaq Forde (off for Kane Thompson-Sommers, 83′) – 6.5

Shaq Forde replaced Tommy Leigh in the starting lineup and was Rovers’ main attacking spark in first-half, setting up Ellis Harrison in the 34th minute, who dragged his shot wide.

The 21-year-old found it tougher in the second half, as Fleetwood took control of the game, but there was more than enough to be positive about with Forde’s display.

Mees Rijks – (off for Yusuf Akhamrich, 54′) – 6

Mees Rijks made his first start at The Mem and had some nice touches in a lively first-half cameo. Not much happened before the penalty, though, and he struggled to hold the ball up on a couple of occasions. The Dutch striker needs fans to be patient with him, as there is clearly a decent player in there.

Mees Rijks of Bristol Rovers applauds the fans after the Sky Bet League 2 match between Bristol Rovers and Fleetwood Town at Memorial Stadium, Bristol on 3 April 2026 (Photo: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Ellis Harrison – (off for Joe Quigley, 53′) – 6

Harrison also returned to the starting lineup – replacing Quigley. He had Rovers’ best chance in the first-half when he dragged a Forde cross wide. Apart from that, his impact was limited, with the Gas struggling to maintain pressure in a scrappy first 45.

Substitutes:Ryan De Havilland – 6

Ryan De Havilland replaced Mola at half-time and was solid during his 45-minute cameo. He wasn’t overly involved, with five out of his eight passes being accurate ones. Still, he had to be adaptable and help the team defensively, as they saw out the victory.

Joe Quigley – 7.5

Quigley has proved to be such an effective signing for Rovers. His hold-up play and ability to consistently commit defenders give space to the flair players, and he’s also got a goal in him. The 29-year-old’s header was perfectly placed and proved to be the decisive moment.

(Image: Rachel Le Poidevin/PPAUK)

Tommy Leigh – 6

The triple substitution early in the second half saw Rovers shift to a 4-2-3-1, with Tommy Leigh as the number 10. It wasn’t a pretty end to the game, with the Gas hanging on at times, so the Bradford City loanee wasn’t able to have the impact he’s capable of.

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Yusuf Akhamrich – 7

Yusuf Akhamrich dragged Rovers up the pitch on a couple of occasions and looked sharp during his 36-minute cameo. He saw a powerful left-footed shot saved by Jay Lynch in the 82nd minute and will have his eye on a start at Harrogate.

Kane Thompson-Sommers – N/AREAD MORE: Morocco Under-23s ‘must be good side’ if ‘little genius’ Yusuf Akhamrich can’t featureREAD MORE: Steve Evans discusses ‘early-stage meeting’ with Hussain AlSaeed concerning Bristol Rovers future

Bristol Rovers player ratings as Gas win fifth consecutive home game – ‘what a performance’

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