Bristol Rovers boosted their League One survival hopes with a hard-earned 1-1 draw at promotion chasing Wrexham on Good Friday as Taylor Moore's first half header was cancelled out by a strike from Matty James in the second period.
Jed Ward was forced into a string of good saves in the first half as the hosts tried to force an early breakthrough. However, it was Rovers who scored the game's first goal as Moore headed in a Matt Butcher corner on 32 minutes.
Wrexham, again, pushed in the second half until James eventually pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area, but the Gas stood firm to ensure they came away with a point which, as a result, ended a run of six consecutive defeats.
Here's how we rated the players after an outstanding defensive display in North Wales...
Jed Ward - 8.5
The goalkeeper hasn't been overly tested in recent matches, but he was busy this afternoon. Wrexham ended the game with five shots on target but the 21-year-old commanded his penalty superbly, catching crosses at crucial moments late on. Certainly in contention for his best display since returning to Rovers from his loan at Forest Green which deserved a clean sheet.
Taylor Moore - 9
The center-back will make the headlines for the goal - his first for five-and-a-half years - but defensively the 27-year-old was outstanding. He seemed alive to every loose ball or potential danger while flying in with a good few excellent challenges. How crucial could that goal be in Rovers' survival bid?
James Wilson - 8
Much more like it from the defender who has been below par in a few recent matches. Commanded his back-line well and certainly looked as though he benefitted from being in a back-three.
Connor Taylor - 8.5
One of his monstrous defensive performances. Excellent aerially and seemed alive to virtually every bit of danger that fell his way. Another who probably benefits being in a three.
Jack Hunt - 8
Very strong at both ends. The wing-back was also called upon numerous times to make defensive interventions, but he offered a licence in attack to roam forward. There's certainly a case for him to have deserved an assist late on as Isaac Hutchinson headed wide.
Romaine Sawyers (off for Isaac Hutchinson 84') - 7
A big presence in the middle for Rovers, who clearly benefitted from the 33-year-old's experience and knowhow. Was in the right place at the right time on numerous occasions. Started to look tired in the second half before coming off.
Matt Butcher - 8
Up for debate whether it's the on-loan midfielder's best display in blue-and-white quarters, but it is no doubt in contention. He demonstrated his quality from set-pieces early on in his Gas tenure and brought it back on Friday afternoon, whipping in an excellent corner for Moore, but also a few dangerous free-kicks. Another who seemed to be alive to plenty in the middle of the park.
Luke Thomas (off for Clinton Mola 59') - 7
Considering the forward was playing at wing-back, it was a very pleasing performance - until he got booked. The 26-year-old nicked the ball off a Wrexham player in dangerous positions once or twice and cleared the danger where needed as the hosts provided the majority of the first-half pressure. However, a challenge on Ryan Longman in the second half put the wing-back on a disciplinarary tightrope.
Kofi Shaw (off for Grant Ward 71') - 7
Another lively display from the teenager, who looked like Rovers' most threatening player from open play in the first half. The attacking midfielder created an opening for Matt Butcher and then won the corner that led to Taylor Moore's goal. In the second half, he was quieter as the hosts cranked up the pressure with his main highlight slipping while taking a shot from range.
Ruel Sotiriou (off for Scott Sinclair 84') - 6
Ran around a great deal and got onto a few long balls or flick-ons, but didn't quite have the chance he would have hoped for.
Gatlin O'Donkor (off for Shaq Forde 59') - 6
Was a handful for the Wrexham defence in the first half, winning flick-ons and looking to hold the ball up. Saw a shot blocked in the first half.
Substitutes:
Clinton Mola (on 59') - 6
Solid enough after coming on for the booked Thomas.
Shaq Forde (on 59') - 5
Saw himself booked and had a few frustrating moments in attack. There is, however, good evidence that he should have been awarded a penalty late on.
Grant Ward (on 71') - 6
Kept things ticking nicely in the middle.
Isaac Hutchinson (on 84') - N/A
Came on late but came close to scoring a late winner.
Scott Sinclair (on 84') - N/A
Came on late.
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