Bristol Rovers earned a dramatic late point at home to Stockport County as debutant defender Sil Swinkels headed home a free-kick in added time after the Gas seemed to be headed for a first home defeat since New Year's Day.

Despite Stockport's dominance of the early possession, it was actually Rovers who saw the best opening opportunity fall to them as Ruel Sotiriou picked out Luke Thomas for a header at the back-post but the winger glanced his effort narrowly wide.

The visitors continued to keep most of the ball and should have really taken the lead before half-time as Jack Diamond plucked out a pinpoint cross for striker Kyle Wooton to head home, but the County captain saw his effort palmed away by Jed Ward on his return to the Gas goal.

It was Stockport who eventually broke the deadlock early in the second half as Isaac Olaofe reacted first to an initial effort bouncing off the post to bundle the ball home.

The visitors peppered Ward's goal a couple more times before Rovers cranked up the pressure in the latter stages and found an equaliser as debutant Swinkels headed home from a Matt Butcher free-kick.

It's certainly a result filed under 'good points'. Here's how we rated the Gas players on the pitch...

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Jed Ward - 8

An excellent return to action for Bristol Rovers and a reminder to Gasheads of what he's capable of. Plucked out two or three really good saves and was unlucky with the goal. His distribution and anticipation of potentially dangerous moments were excellent too.

Jack Hunt (off for Michael Reindorf 70') - 6

The right-back might come away from that one feeling slightly lucky he wasn't sent for an early shower. Booked in the first half for what looked from the other end of the ground a shove on a Stockport player after winning a foul while also later blocking a run. Didn't get on the ball as much as he did against Peterborough but still showed his quality in bursts.

James Wilson - 7

A pretty busy night in the end but stood up to the challenge well.

Connor Taylor - 7

Ditto really. His partnership with Wilson seems pretty tenable.

Lino Sousa (off for Joel Senior 70') - 6

Showed his individual quality in spells and did get a few blocks on crosses. Getting better as time goes on in a Rovers shirt.

Matt Butcher - 7

Protected his backline well enough but didn't have the magic touch going forward with the ball in play. From set-pieces though, his deliveries looked a threat once again and the midfielder plucked out a perfect ball from a free-kick late on for Sil Swinkels' equalising goal.

Grant Ward - 6

Pretty similar to the above. Has had better performances of late.

Luke Thomas (off for Scott Sinclair 70') - 6

It just didn't fall for the winger in attacking moments following a good chance to break the deadlock early in the first half with a narrowly wide header. Always raced into a position to make himself available while tracking back where needed but Stockport were resolute.

Isaac Hutchinson (off for Sil Swinkels 70') - 5

Just not his night. The attacking midfielder was responsible for a couple of cheap giveaways in his own half and was also unfortunate to see some of his forward passes in and around the area blocked by excellent Stockport defenders.

Ruel Sotiriou (off for Jamie Lindsay 83') - 6

Looked dangerous in attacking moments but guilty of some poor giveaways. That role on the left hand side does seem to suit him though.

Chris Martin - 6

Naturally, another frustrating evening for the striker considering he didn't get the service desired and didn't have a real sniff but his defensive commitment can never go under the radar. The goal will come.

Substitutes:

Sil Swinkels (on 70') - 8

What a way to introduce yourself to your new supporters. The defender's physical prowess was noticeable as soon as he came on to be what seemed to be the left-sided defender of a back-three. He did fine in possession and then propped up with the key moment, guiding home a perfect header to equalise.

Joel Senior (on 70') - 6

Looked tidy on the ball in fairness. He'll certainly put pressure on Jack Hunt to keep the shirt at right-back.

Scott Sinclair (on 70') - 6

One decent clearance and cross.

Michael Reindorf (on 70') - 6

Tough to offer an in-depth assessment after a 20 minute cameo but looked a handful. Certainly similarities to Gatlin O'Donkor in terms of playing style.

Jamie Lindsay (on 83') - N/A

Came on late.

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