Bristol Rovers player ratings vs Huddersfield: Sotiriou on target again with Taylor colossal

Bristol Rovers earned a major victory in their bid to avoid League One relegation as an early goal from Ruel Sotiriou was enough to hold onto the three points at home to Huddersfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

The Gas were dealt a major setback within the opening six minutes as Promise Omochere was forced off injured on his first start since coming back from injury.

Huddersfield had already started the brighter of the two sides but, out of nowhere, a header forward from Clinton Mola found Sotiriou in space to fire home after 10 minutes.

Both sides had decent opportunities to score in the first half with Callum Marshall denied by excellent defending from Sil Swinkels while Sotiriou volleyed an effort narrowly wide of the post.

The second half was more controlled as Rovers had to deal with pressure from the Terriers who were looking to maintain their play-off push. However, the Gas showed enough vigour and endeavour to earn a superb victory.

Here is how we rated the players on the day...

Jed Ward - 8.5

The best the young goalkeeper has been since his return from Forest Green Rovers. Although Huddersfield only got three shots on target, the 21-year-old had to claim plenty of deliveries and read his area very well. He was also decisive from set pieces and deserved a second clean sheet in a row.

Connor Taylor - 9

Another one of his man mountain displays. Seemed to read, block or clear everything that came down his channel. Outstanding in the air as you would expect and fought valiantly for that clean sheet.

James Wilson - 8.5

Like Taylor, just excellent once again. Without a doubt the Gas' most consistent performer this season.

Sil Swinkels (off for Lino Sousa 78') - 8

Outstanding. Denied a certain goal in the first half, although that was thanks to pure physicality, as the defender beat Callum Marshall to head the ball over his crossbar with the Huddersfield man lurking for a tap-in. Defended his area excellently but naturally had to come off having been booked.

Jack Hunt - 8

Defensively brilliant as the Gas got themselves another clean sheet. Once again, got in behind and on another day might have gotten himself a goal but managed his channel excellently again.

Matt Butcher - 7

Better in the middle this afternoon after a poor display against Rotherham last time out at the Mem. A real presence in the middle, trying to dictate play but also put his body in the way and on the line. Will have that chance flashing back through his mind all evening.

Isaac Hutchinson (off for Kofi Shaw 79') - 6

Worked hard for the team off the ball but it just didn't quite happen for him on it. Probably the right call to take him off when Inigo Calderon did so that he's still somewhat fresh at the very least for Bolton on Tuesday.

Clinton Mola (off for Ollie Dewsbury 86') - 8

Looked far more like the player at the start of the season. Blocked crosses, looked a threat in the final third and got himself an assist for Ruel Sotiriou's goal. Excellent display down the left, something that Rovers haven't had enough of down that side lately.

Ruel Sotiriou (off for Luke Thomas 86') - 8.5

The forward is already in great form but that has to be under strong consideration for his best performance in a Bristol Rovers shirt. Obviously his performance will be overshadowed by the goal but his workrate, again, was superb. Constantly closing down the angle against defenders and trying to snatch the ball, the forward deserved a second goal for his tenacity.

Scott Sinclair - 7

Very good. Has been criticised at times this season for quiet displays but the forward was everywhere for Rovers in a more advanced role. Close to a goal in the first half, he was a livewire throughout.

Promise Omochere (off for Taylor Moore 8') - N/A

The striker looked visibly distraught as he walked down the tunnel, having to come off injured just minutes into his first start since coming back from injury. Did not look good.

Substitutes:

Taylor Moore (on for Omochere 8') - 7.5

Did really well in midfield considering it certainly isn't his natural position and that he had to come on so early. A few cheap giveaways but largely was a presence in the middle and will have that volleyed effort on target flashing back in his mind.

Lino Sousa (on 78') - N/A

Did well when he came on. Helped see the game out.

Kofi Shaw (on 78') - N/A

Didn't see much of the ball but really nice moment to have him on the pitch at home.

Luke Thomas (off for Sotiriou 86') - N/A

Came on late.

Ollie Dewsbury (off for Mola 86') - N/A

Came on late but what a moment for the 17-year-old and for the Rovers academy.