Player ratings as Bristol Rovers drew 1-1 away at Colchester United in League Two
17:39, 20 Sep 2025Updated 17:56, 20 Sep 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.
Fabrizio Cavegn celebrates scoring for Bristol Rovers (Image: Steve Taylor/PPAUK)
Bristol Rovers extended their unbeaten run across all competitions to seven matches with a hard-earned 1-1 draw at Colchester United on an afternoon where they struggled to replicate recent performances.
Luke Southwood was forced into a good save less than three minutes into the game, closing down the angle well and denying Kyreece Lisbie.
The hosts had further chances through Micah Mbick, Kane Vincent-Young and Teddy Bishop, who was denied by another strong stop from Southwood as Rovers struggled to use the ball effectively.
Against the run of play, the Gas broke the deadlock as an outstanding through ball from Alfie Chang set up Cavegn for a cracking finish minutes before the break.
Early into the second half and Colchester found the goal they deserved as Micah Mbick poked home in the area.
The remainder of the second half was far from a classic as both teams ended up adding a point to their early season totals. Here’s how we rated the Rovers players on a quiet afternoon.
READ MORE: Colchester United vs Bristol Rovers live: Updates, build-up and team news from JobServe StadiumREAD MORE: ‘I’m really enjoying it’ – Joel Senior on benefitting from fresh start at Bristol RoversLuke Southwood – 7
Played an important role in ensuring Rovers came away with at least a point. Made two excellent first half saves and another important stop in the second. Commanded his penalty area well too.
Macauley Southam-Hales – 6.5
Good defending in and around the penalty area but wasn’t able to get up the pitch as much as he or his team would have liked.
Kacper Lopata – 6
Made a string of clearances but was never as imposing as he has been recently. Helped see the game out though. Had a good chance at 0-0 from a set-piece.
Alfie Kilgour – 6.5
Can always rely on the Gas captain to get his head onto balls in the air. Helped see the game out and was constantly speaking to his teammates towards the end as Colchester looked to carve out one last chance.
Jack Sparkes – 6
Another who had a bit of a quiet day compared to some outstanding recent performances. Had one or two teasing deliveries from set-pieces that just needed a touch.
Josh McEachran – 6
After a tricky first half, the midfielder looked more like his usual self in the second, keeping things ticking for Rovers and ensuring they maintained possession when seeking the winning goal. Booked late on.
Kamil Conteh – 6
Has also played better lately, setting high standards for himself. A stronger second half followed a quiet first but still didn’t quite link up with his fellow midfielders very smoothly.
Alfie Chang (off for Joel Cotterill 55′) – 7
Made a crucial block to deny Colchester what looked almost certain to be an opening goal before threading through a lovely pass for Fabrizio Cavegn’s goal. A shame he didn’t stay on for longer.
Promise Omochere (off for Ellis Harrison 43′) – 6
Probably his quietest half playing in this wide role as the Colchester defence did well to deal with his physicality. After five consecutive 90 minutes for the first time in his career, the forward had to come off just before the end of the first half. Hopefully just precautionary.
Luke Thomas (off for Freddie Issaka 81′) – 6.5
Worked hard off the ball, winning it back a handful of times. Didn’t have as much of an impact in the final third as he’d have liked on a day where Rovers didn’t carve out many opportunities.
Fabrizio Cavegn (off for Ollie Dewsbury 55′) – 7
A delightful finish for his second league goal in as many games. Hadn’t had much to do prior to that but did what he’s on the pitch for – scoring goals.
Substitutes:Ellis Harrison (on 43′) – 6
Still not quite sure how he got booked soon after coming on and was arguably fortunate to not get a second yellow card in added time. Was a physical presence up top but didn’t get much of a sniff.
Ollie Dewsbury (on 55′) – 6
Unlucky to see a header blocked. The teenage striker was a handful for the Colchester defence but also didn’t quite get the chance he will have been hoping for.
Joel Cotterill (on 55′) – 6
Did okay after coming on, adding fresh legs in the middle.
Freddie Issaka (on 81′) – N/A
Came on late.
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Daniel Hargraves