Matt Gilks - 7
A fairly quiet afternoon for Gilks on the whole, with Forest Green only having 2 shots on target all game. Despite not having a great deal to do, it’d be impossible to criticise his distribution and as per, he commanded his 18 yard box and made a couple of good catches to eliminate any danger from set pieces.
Gethin Jones - 7
Solid. Again. Didn’t get forward as much as in recent weeks, but made a few great tackles and read the runs of opposing players which could’ve caused a more inexperienced full back some problems. A player who will rarely get all the plaudits, but he’s been fantastic for us this season.
Ricardo Santos - 7.5
The Santos - Matt battle didn’t quite go the way anybody expected (praying for a speedy recovery for Matt) but our wall at the back put in a solid shift, snuffing out any danger that dared present itself. Won all his arial battles and always looked super composed in possession. I’m sure I can speak for the entire fanbase when I say I am dying for the big lad to get himself a goal.
Alex Baptiste - 8
Baps’ experience really showed itself in the biggest game of our season so far. Relaxed on the ball, good in the air, and read the Forest Green attacks expertly, intercepting through balls and blocking a number of efforts on goal in the process.
Declan John - 7
Until the goal, he looked like our best chance of making something happen. His wicked change of pace got himself in a couple of decent positions, and he tracked back really well to cancel out their best opportunity of the game. Almost got himself another goal in a Bolton shirt, too.
MJ Williams - 7
Looks very comfortable in front of our back four. I didn’t realise how much we needed a player like him until he found his feet and gave us that defensive stability in midfield. In a fairly tight game, he broke up a lot of their forward drives and slowed play down well to get us back in control. He continues to be a perfect example of a reason to give players enough game time before passing judgement. We’ve conceded three goals in nine games, and the addition of MJ in the squad is a key component in that stat.
Kieran Lee - 8
I can see why Wednesday fans are so sad to see him elsewhere; he is now an invaluable part of our midfield, and games like this are where players like Lee really prove their worth. Playing on a tiny pitch, against good, attacking opposition in a high stakes affair, Lee was our link between defence and attack, always switched on and never seemed to run out of steam.
George Thomason - 7
After being out of the starting eleven recently, I was chuffed for GT to get the nod to start in front of the Sky Cameras (albeit at the expense of changing a winning formula!). Played a dodgy pass in the first half which lead to a decent chance for the opposition, but otherwise impressive. Had a decent effort on goal and picked up a lot of second balls. We’ll have some player on our hands as he develops.
Oladapo Afolayan - 7
That elusive first goal is coming, and when it does, I can’t help but think the floodgates will open. The West Ham loanee ran himself into the ground today. Got thrown over the boards on the touchline and the next minute was sprinting the length of the pitch to close their full back down - a testament to his work ethic given the amount of booking-worthy challenges made on him. Should’ve won a 2nd half penalty, too.
Eoin Doyle - 8
Some finish, that. The Irishman showed exactly why he was last season’s L2 top scorer with the winning goal, despite having very few touches in both halves. In the end, that one touch was all it took to decide the outcome of the game. It pains me to think how great his tally could be if he’d have been given this sort of service all season.
Nathan Delfouneso - 7.5
Our number 7 was fairly quiet today, in general. However, beating his man from a tight spot and playing an inch perfect cross for Doyle showed exactly what he’s capable of doing. Crucial bursts of play like that earn him a spot in the squad.
Subs:
Arthur Gnahoua - 6
Didn’t do much when he came on but you can’t help but love him. The king from down the road.
Lloyd Isgrove - 6
Whilst not being as tricky as some of our other wingers, the Welshman is a great addition in a game like this, where defensive awareness was needed to keep the opposition at bay whilst still being a potential threat on the counter.
Andrew Tutte - 6
Added some defensive rigidity in the last five.
Shaun Miller - 6
Help wind the clock down and filled in for Doyle up top