Player ratings and match stats from Bristol Rovers 1 Rotherham United 0
A defeat following three games without a loss
Paul Davis assesses League Two events at the Memorial Ground on Saturday as the Millers came up against their old manager, Steve Evans, and lost 1-0 against Bristol Rovers.
Millers (3-5-2)
Ted Cann: 4
Another game, another parry, another opposition goal. It's happening far too often. There was a really sharp save from him in the second half, but the damage had already been done. Time to take him out of the firing line.
Emmanuel Adegboyega: 7
Sometimes he's very ragged, sometimes his decision-making is poor, but he's always aggressive, always physical and always looking to let the opposition know he's there.
Sonny Aljofree: 7
Got his head to a lot of balls and was decent in possession. The new boy is having a good start to the season.
Ewan Otto: 8
Started at centre-back, went into midfield and did very well in both roles. Has a bit of everything - good physique, good speed, decent technique. Can play a bit himself while also stopping opponents playing. An excellent signing. Already a key man.
Denzel Hall: 6
Last season's Denzel hasn't consistently turned up yet this term. Has another gear he can go to. Fairly solid defensively but little seen of him in attack.
Jayce Fitzgerald: 6
His first start, and he wasn't as influential as he was on that excellent debut at Tranmere Rovers. Always showed for the ball and rarely wasted a pass, but didn't really hurt the home team.
Brandon Cover: 5
A dip after a couple of good displays. Always involved but not always to the greatest effect. Busy. He put in the effort.
Josh Austerfield: 6
Got around the pitch, and there were one or two encouraging moments. Put in a great cross in the first half that no-one managed to get on the end of. Gave the ball away too often. A mixed bag from him.
Jili Buyabu: 6
A few very dangerous bursts, just not enough of them. Plenty of crosses and a few shots, but too many of them were blocked.
Tom Bradshaw: 5
Willing and his movement was good, but he struggled to get involved and came off pretty early.
Fabio Tavares: 6
Up and down. When he was on, he was really on. But there were quiet spells from him. Unlucky to be denied by the bar with that last-minute effort. He hit it so well.
The subs
George Sebine (for Bradshaw 51): 5
The young debutant didn't have much chance to show what he's about. Chased things down. Mobile and has a very good turn of pace for a big lad. More to come from him.
Ossama Ashley (for Fitzgerald 61): 7
Arguably his best performance in a Millers shirt. Made a difference as soon as he came on. Put himself about and there was a good weight to his passing.
Kieran Ngwenya (for Cover 61): 5
There's something there. Physically, he looks the part. Lacking game time and it showed on occasion.
Paul Mullin (for Adegboyega 78): NA
Worked hard as Rotherham pushed for an equaliser late on. A cheeky late back-heel almost came off.
Aaron Nemane (for Buyabu 78): NA
Added a bit of attacking thrust.
Not used: Julian Eyestone, Joe Rafferty.
Bristol Rovers (4-3-2-1): Brad Young; Tom James 7, Kofi Balmer 8, Riley Harbottle 7, Ben Purrington 7; Richie Smallwood 7, Clinton Mola 6, Bobby Kamwa 7 (Reiss Russell-Denny 69, 6); Shaq Forde 7 (Philip Sanyaolu 86), Tommy Leigh 8 (Ellis Harrison H-T, 7); Fabrizio Cavegn 6 (Jack Aitchison 59, 6). Subs not used: Charlie Binns, Alfie Kilgour, Joe Quigley.
Goals: Leigh 33 (Rovers)
Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire)
Attendance: 9,226
Opposition view
"Listen, we've got 10 league home wins in succession. It equals a record. That's credit to the players.
I love working with them, and these boys know that the harder we work, the better we'll become. And we will become better. "
- Rovers boss Steve Evans
The stats
Possession: Rover 44 per cent, Millers 56
Goal attempts: Rovers 12, Millers 7
On target: Rovers 5, Millers 2
Touches in opposition box: Rovers 30, Millers 19
Corners: Rovers 10, Millers 4
Fouls committed: Rovers 9, Millers 9
Final word
Rotherham not far away from matching the League Two leaders. Too many misplaced passes cost them momentum.