Bristol Rovers recovered from 3-0 down to draw 4-4 against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s before winning the penalty shootout in the EFL Trophy
Bristol Rovers took two points from their EFL Trophy opener after a frantic game at the Mem against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s, ending 4-4 before the Gas won the resulting penalty shootout 5-4.
After seeing a chance from Ollie Dewsbury cleared off the line, Rovers conceded three goals within six minutes as Tottenham finished clinically.
The Gas managed to get a goal back before half-time as a defensive mishap was taken advantage of by Ellis Harrison, who was then replaced at half-time by Fabrizio Cavegn. The Swiss got his first goal for the Pirates, however Spurs restored their two-goal advantage when Tynan Thompson finished from a tight angle.
The visitors found themselves down to 10 men soon after as goalkeeper Samual Archer took out Ryan Howley, who was through on goal. Isaac Hutchinson then added a third direct from the awarded free-kick before Cavegn levelled things with his second.
Darrell Clarke's side had chances to win the game but had to settle for the penalty shootout which they won 5-4 after Cavegn, Luke Thomas, Hutchinson, Kamil Conteh and Taylor Moore scored from the spot.
Here's how we rated the players on a bonkers night in north Bristol...
Brad Young - 6
Will have to watch a replay to judge if the goalkeeper could have done better with any of the goals but it didn't seem like it. In the moment, all four seemed pretty clinical. Two good saves in the shootout though on his competitive debut for the club.
Joel Senior (off for Tom English 88') - 6
Despite his team conceding four goals, none were directly his fault. The right-back offered quality down the right and on another day might have come away with an assist or two.
Taylor Moore - 5
One of a handful who had a poor first half but improved in the second. Good penalty too.
Dan Ellison (off for Kamil Conteh 36') - 4.5
Unfortunate to be sacrificed as Darrell Clarke looked to change formation with Rovers 3-0 down. A tough first competitive start for the young defender.
Clinton Mola - 5
Won't want to see Tottenham's first goal back. Poor first half but improved after the three goals shipped in a flash.
Bryant Bilongo - 5.5
Didn't cover himself in much glory defensively but got into some good positions, just need a bit more quality on his crosses at times.
Ryan Howley - 6.5
Lively in the middle as the game went on. Another who didn't have the best of first halves but ended it with the assist for Ellis Harrison's goal and was a handful in the second half. A shame to see him fire over the crossbar in the shootout.
Luke Thomas - 6
A few cheap giveaways but got in behind the Spurs defence plenty of times. Another penalty scorer.
Isaac Hutchinson - 7
Underwhelming in the first half but a real livewire in the second. Scored a lovely free-kick and kept things ticking in the middle for Rovers.
Ellis Harrison (off for Fabrizio Cavegn 46') - 7
Scored a well-taken goal with virtually his last kick of the game. Had the ball in the net within the first minute but was flagged offside. Another 45 minutes for his tank.
Ollie Dewsbury - 6
Lively display from the 17-year-old but he will feel as though he should have come away with at least one goal. Had a glorious chance at 0-0 but saw his effort cleared off the line before a few sniffs in the second half.
Substitutes:
Kamil Conteh (on for Ellison 36') - 7
A welcome addition as Darrell Clarke opted to change formation after conceding three early goals. A presence in the middle as the 22-year-old's good run of form continues.
Fabrizio Cavegn (on for Harrison 46') - 9
Scored his first two goals for Rovers which will give the new arrival plenty of confidence. A nice penalty too. He should really have walked away with the matchball though if we're being hypercritical.
Tom English (on for Joel Senior 88') - N/A
On for his competitive first team debut late on. What a moment for the young right-back.