Phillips 7 couple of dodgy kicks and gave away the penalty late on, which he was booked for, but also made a couple of cracking saves in the first half. Foley 8. One dodgy header aside, cleared pretty much everything passed the ball around well Chicksen 8 gave us a lot of energy on the left, was rubbish first 10 minutes but more than made up for it. Took his goal well, had another driving run and shot well saved and covered Fox well Bauer 8.5 proper player, cuts so much out, pings cross field balls and scored a good header Lookman 7.5 had the impetus to take a shot on which deflected in for the goal, and played a fantastic ball for the second. Still doesn't quite do enough when we don't have the ball. Tired slightly in the second half but is such a threat when running. Crofts 7 moved the ball about well and puts himself about a lot Magennis 8.5 another tireless performance, doesn't give defenders a moments rest and is such a beast Ajose 9 could have scored 3 or 4 goals, has a real swagger to him now Pearce 8 calm and dominant at the back, passing not the strongest but he plays simple football well Ulvestad 7.5 drifts in and out slightly too much for a central midfielder, but picks out great passes and presses well Fox 8 driving runs from wide, strong in the tackle and linked up well with Chicksen
Subs Hanlan 7 unlucky not to score, couple of times he took up great positions only for the final ball to let him down slightly, I'd hate to be a defender having Magennis bully me for 70 minutes then Hanlan comes one! Botaka 7 the extra space afforded to him helped, and he had a few tricks and flicks that he showed, couple of lethal shots too Jackson n/a
Nugent 10 great attacking subs, enterprising football and tactics were spot on
We were helped by the Bristol keeper having an absolute mere but who cares we played well, rovers didn't deserve their goal.
Phillips - 7.5 made some great saves in the first half and collected crosses well, gave away the penalty but I'm not sure if it was the defences fault. Good league debut.
Foley - 7 fairly solid, unspectacular going forward but certainly nothing to complain about.
Pearce - 7 solid, can't say I noticed him much but seemed to win the headers
Bauer - 7.5 pleased to see him get a goal
Fox - 7 played well, nice to see him link up with Chicksen and later Botaka
Chicksen - 8 can't ask for much more on a league debut and out of position, worked his arse off and tried to take players on/look for the attacking pass. Think he got the assist for Magennis and capped it off with a goal.
Crofts - 8 was knocking 30 yard balls about with confidence, looked like a different player!
Ulvestad - 8 a driving force, always looking to attack, decent player that will play higher than league 1.
Lookman - 8 takes players on and creates space from nothing, pleased to see him get a goal.
Magennis - 8 his usual performance, worked his arse off, battled for his goal. Very likeable player.
Ajose - 8 hard one to judge as he is a stereotypical poacher, but he had the balls to shoot when the Rovers keeper was playing poorly and therefore deserved his goal.
I realise my marks are very boring but I find it hard to pick out a best player, we were certainly helped by their defence being so poor but we can only beat what is in front of us, it was nice to win so convincingly for a change!
Botaka - 7 looked fairly lively but the game was won at that point so didn't have that much to do. Hanlan - 6.5 ditto Botaka but less comfortable on the ball, certainly very quick.
Phillips 7 Fairly solid, seemed to lose the confidence of a few of the defenders after a few wayward kicks Foley 7 Chicksen 7.5 plus.5 for the goal Bauer 9 nothing was getting past him Lookman 8.5 this kid is special Crofts 7 Magennis 8.5 constant pain for their defence after 20 mins Ajose 8 you need to watch him closely to appreciate him. Comes alive when the ball is in the box or a defender makes an error Pearce 8 solid again Ulvestad 7 Fox 7
Phillips 8 - couple of great saves before half time. Could essily have been different. Foley 7 - comfortable at right back Chicksen 7.5 - looked capable Bauer 8.5 - strong and scored Lookman 9 - the quality showed and once he'd scored he scared them, assisted and linked well with front 2 Crofts 7.5 - nicely anonymous tidying up Magennis 9 - led from the front and showed hunger. First class. Ajose 8.5 - linked well and worked hard for his goal. Must stay in the team now he's warming up to goals Pearce 7 - I never wanted to see him after swindon but he made it through tonight Ulvestad 7.5 - not as mobile as he needed to be but linked play well Fox 7.5 - similarly despised after the Swinners debacle but put in a decent shift
Hanlan 6 - had chances but fancied it more than his abilities allowed Botaka 6 - didn't add much
Philips 8 impressive apart from a few dodgy kicks and penalty award
Foley 7 different player at the back
Chicksen goal gets him a 7 but seemed off the pace much of the time
Bauer 9 Immense
Lookman 8.5 terrorised defenders and linked up well with Josh. Brilliant goal
Crofts 6 passing OK but no bite hardly won a second ball. Guess shouldn't expect player to do what he's not best at.
Magennis 8.5 worked his socks off and held up play seemed to tire
Ajose 7 for the goal but has more to give didn't think he showed much confidence or anticipation
Pearce 7 Solid game
Ulvestad 6 like Crofts neat passing but no bite, but not his game either. Rovers were too free to pepper balls from midfield down the channels and getting behind back four
Fox 7 Solid defending and support play
Rovers defending was awful and keeper had a mare. Took our chances but didn't feel like we took them apart which score suggests. Statistics may prove me wrong.
Phillips 8 I think I counted 4 brilliant first half saves. It gave him confidence and he kept them out of it first half. 2 or 3 second half kicks were very dodgey but they weren't costly. Not sure what happened for the penalty. Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet.
Foley 8 very good at right back. It also made room for Chicksen in the midfield...
Chicksen 8 very threatening going forward. Had a point to prove and I believed he proved it. It's good to have pace on the wing in the absence of Holmes. Took his goal well too. Great play for the second goal.
Bauer 8 We've got a big fucking German! Solid at the back for us and a very good header. Too good for this league but who cares!
Lookman 8 one incident at 0-0 where he lost his man and didn't bother following. That forced Phillips into making a good save. Took his goal well but it took a defection... great play for the second goal.
Crofts 7 didn't really notice him much but you don't have to... he breaks up play and plays it simple. That's what he's there to do. He done it well.
Magennis 8.5 they couldn't handle him. His strength is brilliant. Took his goal well too.
Ajose 8.5 looked up for it. I wasn't there at the weekend or vs Swindon but I've not seen him that keen this season. You could see he wanted a goal and he got it... it was a very good finish too. He set up Hanlan for two very good chances too so shows he's not greedy. Could've had a second when he rounded the keeper but for good defending.
Pearce 8 solid at the back.
Ulvestad 7 didn't notice him much but as per Crofts, done the simple things well. We played down the wing a lot so the CMs were missed out somewhat.
Fox 7.5 solid at the back. He played better than I've seen this season and I think it's because he's not left as exposed as how Lookman leaves him. With Chicksen in front he can overlap. Solid.
Subs Hanlan 6 still very raw. Had two good chances but he panicked and his first touch let him down. Botaka 6 the game was won Jackson n/a always good to see Jacko get a cameo.
Comments
Foley 8. One dodgy header aside, cleared pretty much everything passed the ball around well
Chicksen 8 gave us a lot of energy on the left, was rubbish first 10 minutes but more than made up for it. Took his goal well, had another driving run and shot well saved and covered Fox well
Bauer 8.5 proper player, cuts so much out, pings cross field balls and scored a good header
Lookman 7.5 had the impetus to take a shot on which deflected in for the goal, and played a fantastic ball for the second. Still doesn't quite do enough when we don't have the ball. Tired slightly in the second half but is such a threat when running.
Crofts 7 moved the ball about well and puts himself about a lot
Magennis 8.5 another tireless performance, doesn't give defenders a moments rest and is such a beast
Ajose 9 could have scored 3 or 4 goals, has a real swagger to him now
Pearce 8 calm and dominant at the back, passing not the strongest but he plays simple football well
Ulvestad 7.5 drifts in and out slightly too much for a central midfielder, but picks out great passes and presses well
Fox 8 driving runs from wide, strong in the tackle and linked up well with Chicksen
Subs
Hanlan 7 unlucky not to score, couple of times he took up great positions only for the final ball to let him down slightly, I'd hate to be a defender having Magennis bully me for 70 minutes then Hanlan comes one!
Botaka 7 the extra space afforded to him helped, and he had a few tricks and flicks that he showed, couple of lethal shots too
Jackson n/a
Nugent 10 great attacking subs, enterprising football and tactics were spot on
Phillips - 7.5 made some great saves in the first half and collected crosses well, gave away the penalty but I'm not sure if it was the defences fault. Good league debut.
Foley - 7 fairly solid, unspectacular going forward but certainly nothing to complain about.
Pearce - 7 solid, can't say I noticed him much but seemed to win the headers
Bauer - 7.5 pleased to see him get a goal
Fox - 7 played well, nice to see him link up with Chicksen and later Botaka
Chicksen - 8 can't ask for much more on a league debut and out of position, worked his arse off and tried to take players on/look for the attacking pass. Think he got the assist for Magennis and capped it off with a goal.
Crofts - 8 was knocking 30 yard balls about with confidence, looked like a different player!
Ulvestad - 8 a driving force, always looking to attack, decent player that will play higher than league 1.
Lookman - 8 takes players on and creates space from nothing, pleased to see him get a goal.
Magennis - 8 his usual performance, worked his arse off, battled for his goal. Very likeable player.
Ajose - 8 hard one to judge as he is a stereotypical poacher, but he had the balls to shoot when the Rovers keeper was playing poorly and therefore deserved his goal.
I realise my marks are very boring but I find it hard to pick out a best player, we were certainly helped by their defence being so poor but we can only beat what is in front of us, it was nice to win so convincingly for a change!
Hanlan - 6.5 ditto Botaka but less comfortable on the ball, certainly very quick.
Foley 7
Chicksen 7.5 plus.5 for the goal
Bauer 9 nothing was getting past him
Lookman 8.5 this kid is special
Crofts 7
Magennis 8.5 constant pain for their defence after 20 mins
Ajose 8 you need to watch him closely to appreciate him. Comes alive when the ball is in the box or a defender makes an error
Pearce 8 solid again
Ulvestad 7
Fox 7
Subs
Hanlan 6
Botaka 6
Jackson n/a
Foley 7 - comfortable at right back
Chicksen 7.5 - looked capable
Bauer 8.5 - strong and scored
Lookman 9 - the quality showed and once he'd scored he scared them, assisted and linked well with front 2
Crofts 7.5 - nicely anonymous tidying up
Magennis 9 - led from the front and showed hunger. First class.
Ajose 8.5 - linked well and worked hard for his goal. Must stay in the team now he's warming up to goals
Pearce 7 - I never wanted to see him after swindon but he made it through tonight
Ulvestad 7.5 - not as mobile as he needed to be but linked play well
Fox 7.5 - similarly despised after the Swinners debacle but put in a decent shift
Hanlan 6 - had chances but fancied it more than his abilities allowed
Botaka 6 - didn't add much
Foley 6
Chicksen 7
Bauer 7
Lookman 8
Crofts 6
Magennis 8
Ajose 7
Pearce 6
Ulvestad 7
Fox 7
Subs
Hanlan 5
Botaka 7
Jackson n/a
Foley 8
Chicksen 7.5
Bauer 8.5
Lookman 8
Crofts 7.5
Magennis 9
Ajose 8
Pearce 7.5
Ulvestad 7.5
Fox 7.5
Hanlan 7
Botaka 7
Foley 7 different player at the back
Chicksen goal gets him a 7 but seemed off the pace much of the time
Bauer 9 Immense
Lookman 8.5 terrorised defenders and linked up well with Josh. Brilliant goal
Crofts 6 passing OK but no bite hardly won a second ball. Guess shouldn't expect player to do what he's not best at.
Magennis 8.5 worked his socks off and held up play seemed to tire
Ajose 7 for the goal but has more to give didn't think he showed much confidence or anticipation
Pearce 7 Solid game
Ulvestad 6 like Crofts neat passing but no bite, but not his game either. Rovers were too free to pepper balls from midfield down the channels and getting behind back four
Fox 7 Solid defending and support play
Rovers defending was awful and keeper had a mare. Took our chances but didn't feel like we took them apart which score suggests. Statistics may prove me wrong.
Phillips 8 I think I counted 4 brilliant first half saves. It gave him confidence and he kept them out of it first half. 2 or 3 second half kicks were very dodgey but they weren't costly. Not sure what happened for the penalty. Unlucky not to keep a clean sheet.
Foley 8 very good at right back. It also made room for Chicksen in the midfield...
Chicksen 8 very threatening going forward. Had a point to prove and I believed he proved it. It's good to have pace on the wing in the absence of Holmes. Took his goal well too. Great play for the second goal.
Bauer 8 We've got a big fucking German! Solid at the back for us and a very good header. Too good for this league but who cares!
Lookman 8 one incident at 0-0 where he lost his man and didn't bother following. That forced Phillips into making a good save. Took his goal well but it took a defection... great play for the second goal.
Crofts 7 didn't really notice him much but you don't have to... he breaks up play and plays it simple. That's what he's there to do. He done it well.
Magennis 8.5 they couldn't handle him. His strength is brilliant. Took his goal well too.
Ajose 8.5 looked up for it. I wasn't there at the weekend or vs Swindon but I've not seen him that keen this season. You could see he wanted a goal and he got it... it was a very good finish too. He set up Hanlan for two very good chances too so shows he's not greedy. Could've had a second when he rounded the keeper but for good defending.
Pearce 8 solid at the back.
Ulvestad 7 didn't notice him much but as per Crofts, done the simple things well. We played down the wing a lot so the CMs were missed out somewhat.
Fox 7.5 solid at the back. He played better than I've seen this season and I think it's because he's not left as exposed as how Lookman leaves him. With Chicksen in front he can overlap. Solid.
Subs
Hanlan 6 still very raw. Had two good chances but he panicked and his first touch let him down.
Botaka 6 the game was won
Jackson n/a always good to see Jacko get a cameo.
Foley 7.0
Chicksen. 7.0
Bauer. 8.5
Lookman. 9.0
Crofts. 7.0
Magennis. 8.0
Ajose. 7.0
Pearce. 8.0
Ulvestad. 7.0
Fox. 7.0
Subs
Hanlan. 6.0
Botaka. 6.5
Jackson n/a
Foley 7
Chicksen. 8
Bauer. 8.5
Lookman. 8
Crofts. 6
Magennis. 8.0
Ajose. 7.0
Pearce. 8.0
Ulvestad. 6
Fox. 8
Subs
Hanlan. 6.0
Botaka. 6.5
Jackson n/a
Phillips 7.5
Foley 7
Chicksen 7.5
Bauer 7.5
Lookman 8
Crofts 7.5
Magennis 7.5
Ajose 7.5
Pearce 7
Ulvestad 7.5
Fox 7
Subs
Hanlan 6
Botaka 7