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(Image: Will Cooper\/Shutterstock)It was a seventh consecutive League Two defeat for Bristol Rovers as they lost 1-0 against Cheltenham Town.<\/p>\nIt’s a seventh consecutive League Two defeat as they lose 1-0 against Cheltenham Town(Image: Will Cooper\/Shutterstock)It was a seventh consecutive League Two defeat for Bristol Rovers as they lost 1-0 against Cheltenham Town.<\/p>\n
Jonathan Tomkinson\u2019s first senior goal secured a 1-0 League Two win as Cheltenham condemned the Gas to another loss<\/a>, as they dropped down to 20th in the table.<\/p>\n BristolLive’s Bristol Rovers writer Will Murray gives his verdict and ratings on the Gas players…<\/p>\n Luke Southwood – 6<\/p>\n Not much to do for Luke Southwood on his return, with Cheltenham Town’s only shot on target finding the back of the net when Jonathan Tomkinson scored from a corner at the backpost. His distribution was a tad shaky at times, but the number one didn’t make any glaring errors.<\/p>\n Macauley Southam-Hales – 6<\/p>\n Macauley Southam-Hales had one of his best games in recent weeks, as he looked dangerous on the right side, especially in the first-half. He put in a couple of dangerous crosses in the opening 45 minutes, including a delivery just before the break, which was just too high for Fabrizio Cavegn.<\/p>\n Tom Lockyer – 6<\/p>\n At one point, it looked like Jake Bickerstaff had got the better of Tom Lockyer and was through on goal, but the referee awarded a foul for Rovers. This was a let-off for the skipper, but overall he was solid in a backline that conceded few chances on a frustrating afternoon.<\/p>\n Stephan Negru – 6 (off for Luke Thomas, 76)<\/p>\n Like Lockyer, Stephan Negru didn’t have much to do and when he was called upon, he swept up the Cheltenham attacks well. For a young player in a struggling squad, Negru has looked comfortable in the last couple of games.<\/p>\n Clinton Mola – 5.5<\/p>\n Clinton Mola was impressive defensively in the first-half, sweeping up a few dangerous attacks from the Robins on the left-hand side. He faded in the second half, though, and his effort that sailed over in the 96th minute summed up a poor afternoon for Darrell Clarke’s side.<\/p>\n Jack Sparkes – 6.5<\/p>\n Jack Sparkes returned to the starting lineup to replace Bryant Bilongo and was arguably Rovers’ best player. His ability to get forward and deliver dangerous crosses was on display, especially in the first-half. He nearly found Cavegn and Joel Cotterill with a pair of deliveries from the left and was solid defensively when called upon.<\/p>\n Kamil Conteh – 6<\/p>\n Kamil Conteh was solid, if not unspectacular in the middle of the park. He came in alongside Cotterill and Chang in a midfield three and despite being booked in the second half, was definitely not to blame for the defeat.<\/p>\n Joel Cotterill – 6.5<\/p>\n Cotterill, alongside Sparkes, provided bursts of optimism for Rovers against Cheltenham. The on-loan midfielder came inches away from scoring in the second half, but saw his shot deflect onto the post. In a team struggling for confidence, Cotterill looks to be a rare bright spark.<\/p>\n Alfie Chang – 6 (off for Freddie Issaka, 76)<\/p>\n Chang was probably the least effective of the three midfielders and was replaced by Freddie Issaka in the 76th minute. He battled well, though, and was no lower than a six for his display.<\/p>\n Ellis Harrison – 6 (off for Ollie Dewsbury, 66)<\/p>\n Ellis Harrison was a thorn in Cheltenham’s side during the first-half – holding the ball up well and nearly scoring with a first-time effort in the 15th minute. He also laid the ball back to Cotterill in the second half, when the Welsh Under-21 international struck the post.<\/p>\n Fabrizio Cavegn – 5.5<\/p>\n Cavegn huffed and puffed – coming close to scoring twice in the first-half. His best opportunity came when he was given the ball by the Cheltenham defence in the 23rd minute and was afforded space to run at goal. Ultimately, his effort was saved by Joe Day, though, and his wait for a league goal since the defeat at Walsall continues.<\/p>\n Bristol Rovers are preparing for a new season in League Two with Darrell Clarke back at the helm and you won’t miss a beat with our free newsletter.<\/p>\n All the latest news, views, interviews, gossip and analysis concerning the Gas, delivered straight to your inbox.<\/p>\n It’s completely free and you can sign up HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Substitutes:Ollie Dewsbury – 5.5<\/p>\n Struggled to make an impact when he came on for Harrison, but it was a tough ask for the young forward. Rovers resorted to a lot of long balls towards him and Cavegn, so it was difficult for Dewsbury to make things happen. Patience is needed for the talented youngster.<\/p>\n Luke Thomas – 5.5<\/p>\n Like Dewsbury, struggled to make a difference from the bench, which hasn’t been the case in recent weeks. He nearly had a big chance to score in the 87th minute when Day dropped the ball, but the goalkeeper recovered to get two hands on it.<\/p>\n Freddie Issaka – 6<\/p>\n Issaka looked lively when he came, and despite having no end product, he looked sharp and forced Day to make a save in the 79th minute. 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