The player ratings as Bristol Rovers were left frustrated not to win in a goalless draw at home to Oldham Athletic
Daniel Hargraves Bristol Rovers reporter
22:23, 19 Aug 2025Updated 23:30, 19 Aug 2025
Dan Hargraves is the Bristol Rovers reporter for Bristol Live. He joined the title in July 2023 having previously worked for Reach PLC as a freelance football writer in April 2022 while a journalism student at the University of Derby.
He has also reported on a number of football matches across European competition, the Premier League and EFL and covered the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in 2022. In his role as covering the Gas, he wants to leave no stone unturned and cover every angle of the football club for Gasheads’ enjoyment.
Macauley Southam-Hales pictured in action for Bristol Rovers against Oldham Athletic(Image: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers were left frustrated not to get their first win of the season as they were forced to settle for a point after a goalless draw at home to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday evening.
In what was a largely quiet first half, both sides had good opportunities to break the deadlock. Ruel Sotiriou forced a save from close range for Rovers before Oldham striker Joe Quigley headed wide from within the area.
The Gas started the second half the stronger, with Macauley Southam-Hales forcing a save from Mathew Hudson while Alfie Kilgour saw a header cleared off the line. Substitute Isaac Hutchinson then headed narrowly wide just after coming on.
Rovers nearly won it at the end as Jack Sparkes struck the crossbar from a direct free-kick in added time.
Although not the win they craved, a better, more solid display from the Gas as they got their first point on the board. Here’s how we rated the players.
Luke Southwood – 6.5
A first clean sheet of the season for the goalkeeper, who had very little to do, in truth, as Oldham registered just one shot on target.
Macauley Southam-Hales – 7
Looked really energetic down the right. Happy to get up and down the flanks and made important contributions at both ends, putting in some good crosses as well as forcing a save from Mathew Hudson. Interesting to see who gets the nod now between him and Joel Senior.
Kacper Lopata – 7
A good home debut for the loanee. Clean sheet and did what he needed to do when required.
Alfie Kilgour – 7
Made a cracking tackle in the penalty area in the first half to deny Kane Drummond a good scoring chance and was unlucky to see a header cleared off the line. A well-earned first clean sheet of the season, but frustratingly no win to go with it.
Jack Sparkes – 6.5
Had a pretty flat first half but much stronger second, whipping in some good deliveries and making one or two important defensive interventions.
Kamil Conteh – 7
Looked more like himself. A presence in the middle and linked up nicely with his teammates. The midfielder even had a few shots on goal and a dangerous cross or two. One day one of those efforts will ripple the back of the net.
Josh McEachran – 7
His best performance in a Rovers shirt so far. Had a classy way of going about his business, cleaning up for Rovers and doing the dirty work. Subject to a few calls of, “forward” towards the end as Gasheads started to get restless with the scoreline still goalless. Shame he got booked at the end.
Ryan Howley (off for Isaac Hutchinson 63′) – 6
Ran plenty and produced some neat play in the middle of the park. Took his time with one or two crosses and lost possession a couple of times but looks a promising pick up for sure.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Luke Thomas 46′) – 6
Ran about a lot and looked a livewire, but should have put Rovers ahead before getting a yellow card for a naughty challenge and then getting injured.
Fabrizio Cavegn (off for Ellis Harrison 68′) – 6
Ran plenty and made himself a nuisance for defenders but didn’t quite see the chance he would’ve craved fall to him.
Promise Omochere – 6.5
Similar to Cavegn, ran hard, was a handful, but the chance just didn’t come to him until the very end with an effort blocked. Seriously unlucky not to get at least one free-kick from the referee towards the end. Seemed to look more comfortable on the flank.
Substitutes:Luke Thomas (on 46′) – 6
Looked more like his usual self with even more room for improvement. Got on the ball more frequently and was much more positive.
Isaac Hutchinson (on 63′) – 6.5
Unlucky to not start. Made an immediate impact, heading wide, and looked to make things happen.
Ellis Harrison (on 68′) – 6
Tried to make things happen and offer some fresh legs up top.
Taylor Moore (on 83′) – N/A
Came on late.