It’s a sixth consecutive League Two defeat
Brad Young of Bristol Rovers warms up before the Gas’ 2-1 defeat to Walsall (Photo by Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Brad Young – 6
Brad Young started his first League Two game since MK Dons in October, with Luke Southwood currently away on international duty. He couldn’t do anything about the first two goals and pulled off a crucial save to deny Paddy Madden in the 77th minute before Isaac Sinclair scored after the Gas were unable to clear their lines properly.
Macauley Southam-Hales – 5.5 (off for Taylor Moore, 80)
Macauley Southam-Hales caused Accrington Stanley’s defence some problems with his long throw-ins throughout the game, but his unconvincing header from a corner from the hosts in the 72nd minute allowed Farrend Rawson to score at the backpost.
Tom Lockyer – 6
Tom Lockyer was steady and made a crucial last-ditch block to deny Shaun Whalley just before Kamil Conteh’s equaliser. He also headed over a late corner from Jack Sparkes and will be gutted with Rovers’ dismal run of form. Unfortunately, he was unable to stop Rawson at the backpost for the second goal, though.
READ MORE: Darrell Clarke declares Bristol Rovers ‘soft’ as they suffer sixth consecutive League Two defeatREAD MORE: Bristol Rovers’ Macauley Southam-Hales on defensive improvements, Shaq Forde and importance of momentumStephan Negru – 6
It has been a challenging environment for Stephan Negru to walk into after making his first league start for the club against Gillingham. He wasn’t directly responsible for any of the goals and made an important block in the first-half to deny Isaac Heath, who was lively for the hosts.
Clinton Mola – 5 (off for Jack Sparkes, 80)
After some solid displays recently, Clinton Mola wasn’t at his best today. Whalley skipped too easily past the left centre-back in the lead-up to the first goal and the number six’s passing wasn’t as crisp as it was in the games against Gillingham and Bromley.
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Shaq Forde – 5.5
Shaq Forde has been a bright spark for Rovers in recent weeks, but things didn’t quite come off for him at Accrington. He combined well on a couple of occasions with Ellis Harrison in the first-half, however, the right winger lacked end product and was booked for a mistimed challenge after 26 minutes.
Kamil Conteh – 6
Conteh’s second half strike was a beautiful one. He dispossessed the Accrington defender on the edge of the box before driving a powerful right-footed effort past Ollie Wright. He has now scored two in two games and has stepped up in the absence of Joel Cotterill.
Kamil Conteh of Bristol Rovers battles for the ball with Caleb Roberts of Plymouth Argyle during the Vertu Trophy Match between Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle at Memorial Stadium on 11 November 2025. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUKAlfie Chang – 5
Alfie Chang has been impressive for Rovers in recent weeks, but struggled to make an impact in this one. He was booked midway through the first-half, and gave the ball away on the edge of the box for Accrington’s third, allowing Isaac Sinclair to put the game to bed.
Bryant Bilongo – 5 (off for Ruel Sotiriou, 46′)
Bryant Bilongo is another player who has looked lively in recent games – but ultimately struggled in this one. The left wing-back was withdrawn at half-time after struggling to have the same impact as he did against Gillingham.
Fabrizio Cavegn – 5.5
Fabrizio Cavegn is clearly a very good footballer and has been one of the few bright sparks for Rovers this season. The Swiss striker needs a goal, especially in the league, and shot over in the 54th minute after he was played through. He was flagged for offside, though, and is currently short of service and confidence.
Ellis Harrison – 6 (off for Luke Thomas, 67)
Harrison came into the starting line-up – much to the surprise of Rovers fans when the team news was announced at 1.45pm. He held the ball up well and gave the Gas a different option up front. The 31-year-old could have also scored in the first-half when he deflected Chang’s effort goalwards, but it was cleared off the line by the host’s defence.
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Substitutes:Ruel Sotiriou – 5
Ruel Sotiriou came on at half-time, replacing Bilongo and playing in a central attacking position alongside Harrison. He struggled to make an impact and shot over after Luke Thomas picked him out in the 82nd minute.
Luke Thomas – 6.5
Thomas’ cameo was only brief, but the number 11 looked to make things happen after he was introduced in the 68th minute. The winger created a golden opportunity for Sotiriou and put his hat in the ring for a start against Cheltenham Town next weekend.
Jack Sparkes – N/ATaylor Moore – N/A
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