Newport County 0-1 Bristol Rovers recap: Gas progress to EFL Trophy knockout stages..By Daniel Hargraves
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Antony Evans celebrates giving Bristol Rovers the lead at Newport County
Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Newport: Evans excellent again and Ward wonderful on return..Jed Ward - 8
In regards to what you want from your goalkeeper, the 20-year-old was superb on his return to action for Bristol Rovers.
A surprise inclusion, Ward has been recalled from his loan spell at National League side Wealdstone and made a top account of himself.
The youngster claimed every ball that came his way bar one flap towards the end and commanded his backline with maturity. Most of all, he leaves Rodney Parade with a clean sheet.
James Gibbons - 7
Another top shift from the right-back. Gibbons didn't quite get the attacking rewards he did in the Whitby Town game, against whom he registered two assists, but it was a solid defensive effort from the 25-year-old.
Constantly getting his body in the way and offering support in the final third, it was another pleasing display from the right-back.
Josh Grant - 7
Playing at centre-back and then left-back when Tristan Crama came on, the defender also got his body in the way when necessary and commanded his penalty area. Gave everything you want from a defender.
James Wilson - 8
Another top class defensive performance from the centre-back, three days on from the win at Carlisle United. Cleared everything that came his way and was a significant contributor to the clean sheet.
Harvey Vale (off for Tristan Crama 76') - 6
Dropping back into left-back, the Chelsea loanee had some decent spells on the left-hand side. Definitely capable of offering a bit more in the final third.
Sam Finley - 7
The captain can put that one amongst his best performances of the season. Dictated play really nicely and produced some mouth-watering switches that kept his teammates ticking. Admittedly, Finley has largely been playing very well lately. The Mangan effect perhaps?
Antony Evans (off for Ryan Woods 76') - 8
Another top performance in the middle of the park from a player that has been one of the most consistent performers for Rovers of late, certainly under Andy Mangan. A top finish for the goal, the 25-year-old ran the show for the visitors. The hope will be that he can pick up where he is leaving off when the Gas return to action in 10 days.
Jevani Brown - 6
Playing a deeper, central role, Brown was everywhere for Rovers and looked a constant threat going forwards. It's no secret he has the potential to be the Gas' best creative and he showed why tonight with a couple of defence-splitting passes. Unlucky to come away without an assist and was knocking on the door for a seven but progress is definitely being made.
Luke Thomas (off for Lewis Gordon 90') - 6
Tried to make things happen with some dazzling dribbles but didn't quite have that end product. Almost scored a stunner in the first half had it not been for the far post.
Aaron Collins (off for Scott Sinclair 68') - 6
Looked to make things happen for the Gas and almost curled in a screamer in the first half with the effort rattling the crossbar. Deserves a rest after a hectic recent few weeks and ahead of another busy schedule.
John Marquis (off for Chris Martin 68') - 5
The striker will be disappointed he won't be going back into England with at least one goal with a couple of decent chances falling his way in the first half. Good with his hold up play as always but ultimately missed a few opportunities he would expect to put away.
Substitutions:Chris Martin (on for Marquis 68') - 6
Should've had an assisted as he squared for Sinclair.
Scott Sinclair (on for Collins 68') - 5
Came on and had two great chances to score.
Ryan Woods (on for Evans 76') - 6
