Bristol Rovers lost 2-1 against Salford City in League Two - here's how we rated the players

Bristol Rovers suffered a fourth consecutive defeat in League Two, losing 2-1 against the league leaders Salford City at The Mem.

Brendan Wiredu and Daniel Udoh gave the Ammies a two-goal lead at half-time, but Rovers improved after the break, with Jack Sparkes halving the deficit from a free-kick in the 57th minute, moments after Ellis Harrison missed a penalty.

Steve Evans' side pushed for the equaliser, but the Ammies defended resolutely to extend their unbeaten run in the league to nine.

Bristol Live's Bristol Rovers writer Will Murray gives his verdict and ratings on the Gas players...

Brad Young - 5

Salford had two shots on target in the first-half and both found a way past Brad Young. He's not been convincing so far this season, and tonight was no different.

Despite making a decent stop in the closing stages to deny Taylor Allen, he was often too slow off his line, and his distribution flattered to deceive.

Kofi Balmer - 6.5

Was one of the better Rovers players - winning all six of his aerial duels and three out of four ground duels. The Gas need him to stay fit, if they want to register some much-needed league wins.

Alfie Kilgour - 5.5

Alfie Kilgour was caught by an Udoh run-in behind in the 11th minute, which nearly resulted in the second for the visitors. Like the rest of his teammates, the centre-back improved after the break, including when he made an important tackle to deny Macaulay Langstaff after the Salford attacker had been played through.

Ciarán Kelly - 5.5

A solid enough display for Ciarán Kelly, who won the majority of his aerial duels, but the space in front of him in the middle made it difficult for the back three. Did enough to keep his place for Saturday.

Tom James - 6

Tom James didn't do much wrong in the first-half, with Salford's most dangerous attacks coming down the opposite side. He tried his luck with a couple of long-range efforts in the second 45, but ultimately the Gas couldn't find a second goal.

Jack Sparkes (off for Arvin Appiah, 81') - 6

Up against arguably Salford's best player, Luke Molyneux, Jack Sparkes found it extremely difficult. He was beaten far too easily for the second goal, with Molyneux's low cross tapped in by Udoh.

He responded in the second half with a brilliantly taken free-kick, which is his first goal of the season.

Keenan Gough - 6.5

A battling performance from the midfield two, who were not given enough help and were often overrun in the first-half. He still made some important tackles and interceptions, and won a mammoth 10 ground duels. One of the first names on the teamsheet currently.

Clinton Mola - 6.5

Alongside Gough, it was a tough task for Clinton Mola in the first-half, with Salford overrunning the hosts in the middle of the park. Rovers were more aggressive with their press after the interval, though, with Mola recovering the ball on a number of occasions and making some crucial sliding tackles.

Shaq Forde (off for Bobby Kamwa, 81') - 5

Should have done better with his left-footed shot in the 34th minute, which was straight at Will Norris after Fabrizio Cavegn found him in the box. The number seven is struggling for confidence this season and desperately needs a goal.

Ellis Harrison (off for Joe Quigley, 81') - 5

Ellis Harrison returned to the starting lineup and wasn't as effective as usual, winning only eight out of 22 aerial duels. He then missed a penalty in the 54th minute before his withdrawal in the 81st minute. Evans admitted post-match that the 32-year-old was only "70%, 75% fit," so he might be touch-and-go for Saturday.

Fabrizio Cavegn (off Reiss Russell-Denny, 69') - 5

Cavegn worked hard, like he always does, but the service towards him was limited. He did well to set up Forde in the 34th minute, but the number seven's effort was a tame one. With only 16 touches, it was a quiet night for the Swiss striker.

Substitutes:

Reiss Russell-Denny - 5.5

Tried to make something happen as a number 10, with a shot on target in the 79th minute, well saved by Norris.

Arvin Appiah - 5

Arvin Appiah only came on for the final nine minutes and had a limited impact, registering only 13 touches.

Joe Quigley - 5.5

Held the ball up well on a couple of occasions, but it was too little too late, as Rovers suffered a fourth consecutive league defeat.

Bobby Kamwa - 5

Hard to make an impact when coming on so late, and with only six touches, Bobby Kamwa was unable to provide a moment of note.