Bristol Rovers were unfortunate to kick off 2025 with a third consecutive defeat as they fell to a 3-2 loss at home to Leyton Orient on New Year's Day in Inigo Calderon's first home game as Gas head coach.

The visitors scored the contest's first inside the first 10 minutes in fortunate fashion as Ethan Galbraith fired home a cracking finish past Josh Griffiths via a deflection but Rovers responded well as substitute Chris Martin fired home his first of the season from the penalty spot after Luke Thomas was tripped in the area.

Calderon's side pushed for a second as Isaac Hutchinson went close but found themselves behind again against the run of play as Jamie Donley curled a stunning free-kick into the net before half-time.

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Orient then added a third early into the second half via substitute Charlie Kelman before Martin halved the deficit with his second 16 minutes from time after good work from Shaq Forde off the bench.

Rovers then thought that they'd found a late equaliser through Gatlin O'Donkor, only for the goal to be ruled out by referee Alan Young for handball to cap off an officiating display that came under major scrutiny from home supporters.

Despite defeat, it was a much-improved display from Rovers with positives to take. Here's how we rated the players...

Josh Griffiths - 6

A couple of nervy moments for the goalkeeper who let slip of a couple of balls but managed to recover well. Made a trio of vital saves at 3-1 which proved to be important as Rovers soon after halved the deficit and sought an equaliser.

Taylor Moore - 6

Still playing out of position but one of his better performances at right-back. Largely solid down his end and unlucky not to get a foul in the build-up to Leyton Orient's first goal.

Connor Taylor (off for Joel Senior 74') - 6

Better after a bad day at Stevenage but nine goals conceded in three games is extremely concerning levels of leakiness for the Gas.

James Wilson - 6

Similar to his centre-back partner. Didn't deserve to concede three goals but still need to plug the gaps.

Lino Sousa (off for Shaq Forde 61') - 6

One of the stand out players of the first half from a Rovers perspective. Two moments of real quality with some stunning footwork with a positive run into the box and cross at the end. However, the left-back's display will be overshadowed by his mistake, leading to Leyton Orient's third goal. Deserves a run in the side now.

Grant Ward - 6.5

A number of classy moments on the ball and played the pass to Luke Thomas before the winger won a penalty. With Kamil Conteh injured, the 30-year-old seems set for a run in the side.

Isaac Hutchinson (off for Scott Sinclair 74') - 6

Unlucky not to score first half and looked like one of Rovers' most creative players in the first half. Struggled more in the second.

Gatlin O'Donkor - 7

Superb. Constantly looked a threat with good footwork and physicality and held the ball up excellently. Extremely unlucky not to be credited with an equalising goal.

Ruel Sotiriou (off for Luke McCormick 61') - 6

The best he's looked for a while for the first 40 minutes. Worked hard and looked dangerous in a slightly deeper midfield role than usual. Extremely unlucky to concede the free-kick that led to a stunning second for the visitors. Looked a clean challenge in real time, having not yet seen a replay at the time of writing, but was booked. Struggled in the second half.

Luke Thomas - 6

Capable of better but always looked dangerous with the ball and won the penalty.

Promise Omochere (off for Chris Martin 21') - N/A

Forced a save from Josh Keeley early on but really should have found the back of the net from close range. Then had to come off injured as Rovers' bad luck continued. Worrying.

Substitutes:

Chris Martin (on 21') - 8

Came on early due to Promise Omochere's injury and popped up with his first two goals of the season. Hopefully that's the start of a hatful now because Omochere now looks set to miss some time.

Shaq Forde (on 61') - 6.5

Poor initially after coming on but propped up with a moment of quality, assisting Rovers' second goal which sprung the forward into life against his old loan club.

Luke McCormick (on 61') - 6

Tenacious as usual and looked a threat.

Scott Sinclair (on 74') - 6

Offered much-needed fresh legs down the right hand side as Rovers tried to find an equalising goal.

Joel Senior (on 74') - 6

Put in a few excellent crosses. Unlucky not to start the game.