The Gas fell to a heavy defeat at the Memorial to make it two losses on the bounce in League Two
16:56, 11 Oct 2025Updated 19:56, 11 Oct 2025
Kacper Lopata ahead of Bristol Rovers’ clash with Walsall (Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Bristol Rovers suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat on Saturday afternoon to an impressive MK Dons side in League Two.
An early gift saw Paul Warne’s men take the lead after just eight minutes, a low cross deflecting off Alfie Kilgour into his own net. The Gas went into the half-time break just the singular goal down, striker Ellis Harrison having the chance level things shortly prior when he headed a Jack Sparkes corner straight at the goalkeeper.
Pirates head coach Darrell Clarke switched shape not long after the second half began, reverting to a back four after starting with a five, however his side were unable to fashion any clear-cut chances. A penalty shout for what looked like a foul on Harrison seemed the best chance to draw level, but it was waved away by referee Scott Oldham.
The Dons eventually doubled their lead in the 83rd minute through Laurence Maguire, brother of Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, who got a slight touch on a cross which deflected off a Rovers man to make sure it hit the net.
Capitulation then began as the home side looked to throw the kitchen sink at getting back into the game, the visitors bagging a third in the 90th minute when some lacklustre defending allowed Alex Gilbey to slot home after being played through from a free kick.
If it was not secure enough, Warne’s men made sure they were taking all three points back to Buckinghamshire when a quick break away led to Rushian Hepburn-Murphy slotting away a fourth to truly kill the game.
The defeat leaves Rovers lingering in mid table occupying 14th place whilst Saturday’s victors climb to fourth as they begin to meet their pre season expectations of a title challenge.
Brad Young – 5.5
Could not do much about the opener and positioned himself really well to claim crosses and sweep up when called upon. The second was not expected after another deflection off a teammate and the third was from very close range. Got a leg to the third but not enough.
Jack Sparkes – 6
Was beaten in the first half from an impressive move by Aaron Nemane, however ended the first period really well, shimmying away from his man and putting in couple of great crosses, one of which Ellis Harrison probably should have buried. At least one of his crosses should have been rewarded.
Alfie Kilgour – 5.5
Unfortunately scored an own goal to put the Dons ahead early on. A disappointing way to start your 100th league appearance for the club. Had a better second half and was solid defensively until the late onslaught from the visitors.
Kacper Lopata – 6
Had a good game and matched Paterson for physicality. Always looked forward when playing out from the back knows how to win a foul and do the dirty work when needs be. Sadly, the whole team fell apart in the closing stages.
Clinton Mola (off for Ruel Sotiriou 53′) – 5.5
Had his hands full a bit more with Paterson who certainly was not a nice customer. Felt a little more uneasy on the ball than his centre back counterparts.
Macauley Southam-Hales (off for Joel Senior 53′) – 5
Covered the back post fairly well but picked up an early booking for a late challenge and could not prevent the cross from coming in for the opening goal.
Luke Thomas – 5
Played sometimes out wide, often dropping into the number 10 position but struggled to really link midfield and attack. Tried a couple of searching passes in the first period and pressed the visitors with tenacity but was beaten by Mendez-Laing much too easily for a moment in the second half where the Dons could have, on another day, scored.
Alfie Chang (off for Kamil Conteh 80′) – 6
Not everything came off for the Birmingham City loanee but he had some great moments. Used his body well to block a fierce effort early on and made some good turns to get out of trouble on the ball in the centre of the park.
Josh McEachran – 7
A calming influence on the ball, cleverly cleaning up and finding space impressively. Seems to pop up in the right place at the right time and break up play. Played some neat balls to put his team on the front foot, never lingering on it too long.
Fabrizio Cavegn – 5.5
Never really got into the game. Made his usual runs and pressed with energy but struggled to get a sniff against the physical centre backs of the Dons. His only real foray into the box saw him shielded from the ball by the big Ekpiteta.
Ellis Harrison – 6
Had some good chances, particularly from crosses that he should have scored. The one from the corner screams out. More used to the physicality than Cavegn and held it up a bit better when needed.
Substitutes:Joel Senior (on 53′) (off for Bryant Bilongo 76′) – N/A
Came on and then forced off through injury.
Ruel Sotiriou (on 53′) – 5.5Bryant Bilongo (on 76′) – N/AKamil Conteh (on 80′) – N/A