Jak Alnwick - 5

Unable to do anything about the first goal, and was beaten by the sheer pace of the ball across the face of goal as Mansfield went 2-0 off. Forced off injured at half time.

Joe Low - 5

Made his first start since January and put in an unobjectionable 45 minutes on the right of the back three — not his best role, for us — before going off at the break.

Murray Wallace - 3

Off the pace against the Mansfield forwards. Furious that Roughan hadn’t picked up Lucas Akins just behind him as Mansfield took the lead, but should have stopped the cross himself. Could only put Tyler Roberts’ fiercely-hit ball across the face of goal into his own net just before the break.

Sean Roughan - 4

Had a decent strike saved from just outside the box in the first ten minutes. Allowed Akins to stroll in and put Mansfield ahead. Had let Oliver Irow play himself offside on the way to their fourth but the officials didn’t clock it, leaving him to chase back fruitlessly.

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Lasse Sorensen - 4

Didn’t look at the top of his game at wing-back throughout the first half. Took over as the right-sided centre-back at half time as Low departed.

Ryan Ledson - 4

Off it with his passing and shooting accuracy. Nice ball over the top for Alfie May later in the game that should have come to more, though.

Cameron Humphreys - 4

Worked hard as ever, but just couldn’t get into a rhythm and wasn’t at his best with his set piece deliveries. Headed a great late chance wide of the post off Bali Mumba’s header across goal.

Bali Mumba - 3

Made some useful runs in the first half and should have had a free kick just outside the box for a clear shove in the back from Akins that the referee called as a shoulder to shoulder. His defending was awful, though, and was woefully out of position on Mansfield’s second goal, allowing Roberts to stroll into space inside the Town box to receive Jon Russell’s pass. Moved to the right flank for the second half. Failed to close down Regan Tracey, allowing him to pick his spot with a long shot to put Mansfield 3-0 up. Continued to get forward well but didn’t make the ball work for him enough.

Marcus Harness - 6

The most visible in his efforts to get Town actually playing. Didn’t get back to track Tracey’s run into space to score Mansfield’s third goal, though in fairness, unclear how much opportunity he actually had to do so. Powered in strike that Liam Roberts couldn’t keep out despite getting a hand to it.

David Kasumu - 5

Had a reasonably positive half hour on the pitch but picked up an injury driving inside to take a shot and was forced off injured.

George Sebine - 4

Had a pretty thankless job to do leading the line. Some decent hold-up but could have done with realising what options were around him and releasing the ball a bit sooner. Went off just before the hour.

Substitutes

Alfie May (for Kasumu 30) - Direct replacement in the number 10 role until half time, then moved up front alongside Sebine after the interval, then finally as a lone strike after Antony Evans came on. Should have had an assist from a smart cutback for Antony Evans after a great run into the box. 5

Nik Tzanev (for Alnwick 46) - On for his club debut to become the first New Zealander to appear for the club, to the best of our knowledge. Soundly beaten by Hendry’s long shot. Not sure how Irow’s shot ended up squeezing past him for 4-1. Nearly caught out from the halfway line soon after. 4

Will Alves (for Low 46) - Came on at left wing-back with Mumba going across to the right, though operated more as a left winger much of the time. Looked bright for a few minutes but couldn’t make an impact. 5

Antony Evans (for Sebine 58) - Claimed a near-immediate assist after holding off his man on a bouncing ball and squeezing a pass to Harness. Dragged a very presentable chance well wide off May’s cutback. 5

Marcus McGuane (for Harness 80) - n/a

Unused substitutes: Dion Charles, Bobby Wales.

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Jak Alnwick - 6

Decent distribution and came off his line at the right moments to stop a couple of Bolton attacks. Couldn’t do anything about the goals.

Radinio Balker - 5

Fortunate that Sam Dalby didn’t capitalise after losing track of his run to the near post just after the half hour. Won the knockdown from Cameron Humphreys’ free kick for David Kasumu to score soon after the break. Gave the ball away needlessly to let Bolton push forward for their second goal. Booked for the most cynical foul in the world in injury time.

Murray Wallace - 5

Couldn’t get to the ball quickly enough to stop Eoin Toal heading in the opener, but shouldn’t have had to intervene in the first place. Stepped out well to cover for the midfield on occasion when they were beaten on the break. Not sure if he could have done more to try and stop Johnny Kenny’s goal, but it was hit with such venom he perhaps just didn’t have time to react.

Sean Roughan - 6

Tried to catch the keeper off his line early in the second half but sliced it wide. Read the game well to make some decent interceptions and drive forward, including on the way to claiming an assist for Kasumu’s second goal. Won a good tackle on Amario Cozier-Duberry inside the box only for Johnny Kenny to power home the loose ball with Roughan powerless to get there in time. Couldn’t stop Cozier-Duberry on the way to Bolton’s third goal though.

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Lasse Sorensen - 7

Slow to get out from the near post as Bolton had all the time in the world to cross from a short corner routine. Put in about half a dozen crosses in the first half but not able to find a teammate, mostly thanks to good defending but one or twice down to poor deliveries. Great ball across goal on the way to Town earning a penalty that also saw Bolton reduced to ten men. Booked deep into stoppage time for grabbing the ball with his hands after being brought down in the Bolton corner, with Harness furious he didn’t take the option to cross it instead.

Cameron Humphreys - 4

Unable to maintain his levels from midweek in the first half. Played some nice crossfield balls but was also caught on the ball or got his press wrong to leave the defence exposed several times. Better after the break, though, and delivered the free kick from which Town made it 1-1. Booked for a high foot on the hour after losing possession on the edge of his own third. Left Ibrahim Cissoko completely free for a cutback on the edge of the box as Bolton scored at the death.

Ryan Ledson - 5

Slid in to clear away a flicked-on free kick before Sam Dalby could finish it early on. Booked for a cynical foul a few moments later. Lucky that Dalby missed a clear-cut chance from a flicked-on corner right before half time after getting away from Ledson. Didn’t have enough impact on the game.

Bali Mumba - 5

Defensively solid enough, particularly when left as the last man on the counter-attack from set pieces, but didn’t offer enough in attack. Taken off in injury time.

Marcus Harness - 6

Let Toal get up to win a header as Town went behind to yet another set piece on 14 minutes. Made up for that by playing a part in the build-up to Town’s penalty, which he then converted. Booked just after the hour for a cynical foul.

David Kasumu - 7

Should have gone over to try and at least try and stop the delivery on Bolton’s early goal. Often the free man in attack but didn’t really do anything with it in the first half. Was in the right place to bundle home Balker’s knockdown to make it 1-1, and would surely have tapped in Sorensen’s ball across the face of goal if he hadn’t been pulled back by the hand by Jordi Osei-Tutu. Got a second goal thanks to a big deflection that left the keeper wrong-footed, then subbed off immediately after.

George Sebine - 5

Made his first senior start in place of the injured Bojan Radulovic. Put himself about well and made some decent near-post runs to meet Sorensen’s crosses that were thwarted by the Bolton defence.

Substitutes

Dion Charles (for Sebine 67) - On against his former club. Hassled well. Isolated, in fairness to him. 5

Marcus McGuane (for Kasumu 67) - On in central midfield with Humphreys taking over from Kasumu. Too easily beaten on the way to Bolton’s second goal and nowhere to be found in the middle of the pitch on the way to their third. 3

Joe Low (for Mumba 90+8) - n/a

Unused substitutes: Nik Tzanev, Antony Evans, Mickel Miller, Alfie May.

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Jak Alnwick - 6

Made his first league start for the club, against the side he left in January.

Radinio Balker - 7

Put in a good, solid performance. Clashied heads with Omari Kellyman early in the second half and was patched up on the sidelines before returning to action.

Murray Wallace - 8

Absolutely massive in the heart of the Town defence for much of the game. Thought he had Yousef Salach covered as Cardiff levelled things up, but was unable to react quickly enough to the cross getting a flick on across the box.

Sean Roughan - 7

Lost an early battle up his flank to that led Cardiff to keep trying it again for a spell, but stood up to it well. Put a header into the side netting shortly before the break that he should perhaps have got on target. Saw out the game at left-back

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Lasse Sorensen - 7

Restored in place of the injured Lynden Gooch. Fantastic cross for Bojan Radulovic in the early stages. Offered good creativity with balls from deep on the right for Cameron Humphreys and George Sebine in the second half that opened up the Cardiff defence.

Ryan Ledson - 8

Scored for a third game in a row — his fifth in nine games — with a lovely cushioned volley from the edge of the box. Again taken off going into the closing stages having done his part.

Cameron Humphreys - 9

Absolutely superb. Great ball over the Cardiff defence for Bali Mumba to finish inside the first two minutes, only for it to be ruled out for offside. Excellent first half in all departments, winning some important challenges and interceptions in the Town half and playing a big part in some of Town’s better attacking moves, as well as delivering some good dead balls. Won a brilliant tackle as Cardiff threatened to enter the box in added time.

Bali Mumba - 7

Much better and more consistent performance. Won his battles well in the first two thirds and offered a threat in the final third, especially in the first half. Judged marginally afoul of the linesman’s flag when he finished off Humphreys’ pass into the box — looked a very tight one on the replay so inclined to give the officials the benefit of the doubt. Helped make the opener by going over to help out David Kasumu in the corner and put in a cross that Sorensen sent back the other way for Ledson to finish. Looked nervy in the closing stages of an otherwise very good outing and was replaced for the final few minutes.

Marcus Harness - 7

Smashed a cleanly-hit shot into the crossbar from the edge of the box. A little inconsistent on the ball but when he was good he was important to the Town attack, and was unlucky to see a late chance blocked by teammate Sebine. Worked tirelessly to protect the midfield.

David Kasumu - 7

Back in to play at number 10 alongside Harness. Made himself available constantly in the Town attack and worked really well in the press. Excellent at relieving the pressure as the game wore on.

Bojan Radulovic - 6

Had a free header kept out by a sharp reflex save on 11 minutes. Went down with a shoulder or collarbone injury just after the half hour following a rough landing and had to be replaced.

Substitutes

George Sebine (for Radulovic 37) - Busted his nose after coming on already wearing a bandage, and had to spend a few minutes off the pitch getting cleaned up. Took a heavy touch to waste a chance after Humphreys played him in early in the second half, and sliced a half-chance wide from a set piece. Worked hard for the team. 5

Marcus McGuane (for Ledson 76) - Had a shot from just outside the box superbly tipped onto the crossbar in injury time. Unable to hold onto the ball as Cardiff scored their injury time equaliser. 6

Mickel Miller (for Kasumu 77) - Fresh legs for the counter-attack and to help out the left wing-back. Created a couple of decent chances late on. 7

Joe Low (for Mumba 88) - Made his return from injury. Went into the middle of the back three. n/a

Unused substitutes: Nik Tzanev, Antony Evans, Alfie May.

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Lee Nicholls - 6

Slipped as he tried to come out to close down Nathan Lowe on the opener, though not sure that made a huge difference in the end. Nearly got caught on the ball by Andre Vidigal early in the second half. Brave to dive at Vidigal’s feet to stop him getting a shot off as he raced into the a few minutes later, but took a blow to the face in the process and went off a few minutes later.

Radinio Balker - 6

Unable to make proper contact with Lynden Gooch’s corner in the third minute, putting a glancing header wide from a great position; then again headed wide from a similar position midway through the first half. Wonderful ball over the top to find Alfie May’s run shortly before the break, which unfortunately came to nothing.

Murray Wallace - 7

Massive in the closing stages, winning countless headers and making plenty of blocks. Could perhaps have been in a better position to stop Lowe scoring Wycombe’s third goal.

Sean Roughan - 7

Twice did very well to hold off Fred Onyedinma to stop him launching a Wycombe counter-attack up that side in open half hour, and consistently won that battle with a really whole-hearted performance. Unable to reach Ryan Ledson’s cross with the last kick of the first half. Had a really good game overall but was too easily beaten in the at the back post air as Connor Taylor made it 2-2.

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Lynden Gooch - 8

Needed a performance, and delivered it. Twice put set piece deliveries onto Balker’s head in the first 25 minutes, only for the centre-back to steer them both wide. Had a left-footed effort superbly saved after cutting inside, just a few minute after putting a low ball across the box that neither Radulovic nor May could reach. Played a number of excellent long balls that found their mark beautifully. Looked to have a bit of a knock that forced him out of the game.

Cameron Humphreys - 6

Had what looked t be a reasonable penalty shout turned down just after the hour. Did some decent defending around the Town box but unable to make a huge impact in attack. Went off midway through the second half.

Ryan Ledson - 8

Shot not too far over the bar in an all-round sharp first-half performance. Unfortunate that Roughan was unable to get onto his cross on the stroke of half time. Absolutely unstoppable half-volley from outside the box to make it 1-1 just after the break — brilliant goal.

Bali Mumba - 4

Simply outmuscled by Nathan Lowe on halfway as Wycombe scored, which we’re not sure he can do much about. Had another frustrating and erratic game overall, though…yet again, punctuated by some better moments here and there. Touch often poor. Should have squared to Bojan Radulovic instead of shooting into a crowd after Alfie May got in behind the defence but had to go back to the wing-back. Better in the second half.

Marcus Harness - 8

Got involved in the areas you want to see him, and used the ball well. Played a lovely through ball for Radulovic in the first half that the Wycombe defence did well to recover from. Heeded Ledson’s shout to leave May’s flick-on for him to finish. Had a well-hit effort equally well saved midway through the second half and couldn’t get the rebound under control to get a second effort off. Deserved his goal as he tapped home May’s deflected effort, and looked to have won the game in added time with a fine left-footed finish after beating two men. Lost Lowe in the box for Wycombe’s final goal.

Bojan Radulovic - 6

Relatively quiet, but effective with what he did in his link-up play. Lovely touch to control Wallace’s forward headed and play in May on the way to Town’s second goal.

Alfie May - 7

Great run to get in one-on-one with Will Norris, but slipped on the greasy pitch as he tried to round the keeper and lost the chance to score — should have buried it. Good determination to keep the ball alive in the corner, which was rewarded as it dropped beautifully for Ledson to finish. Unable to make the most of a pair of long balls from Gooch that found his runs just before the hour. Kept plugging away, much to his credit, and shot not far off target from Josh Koroma range before his deflected effort landed nicely for Harness to tap in.

Substitutes

Jak Alnwick (for Nicholls 63) - Collided with Bradley Fink as he claimed a ball but was thankfully alright. Cleaned out Balker as he came off his line to punch a cross clear, and wasn’t entirely convincing on crosses even if he did tend to get to them in the end. Little he could do about the two late equalisers. 5

Marcus McGuane (for Humphreys 69) - Felt he was fouled as he tried to carry the ball clear immediately before Wycombe got their third goal. 5

Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 73) - Beaten in the air as Wycombe won a knockdown to score their third goal. 5

Dion Charles (for May 80) - n/a

David Kasumu (for Ledson 80) - n/a

Unused substitutes: Joe Low, Antony Evans.

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Lee Nicholls - 6

Mainly routine work to do in the game, but came up trumps in injury time by saving well from Dom Ballard.

Radinio Balker - 5

Put a diving header past Nicholls to gift Leyton Orient the lead as he tried to deal with a cross. Looked determined to make up for that and took a couple of opportunities to join the attack soon after the break. Had a fierce shot well blocked. Went off just after the hour in a planned change.

Murray Wallace - 5

Steady away as ever for most of the game, though could count himself lucky not to be sent off for two cynical fouls in succession late on, the second of which escaped a card, and was unable to full commit to stopping a couple of Orient breaks thereafter. Looked to have wasted a chance to score the winner when he hit the bar off Radulovic’s knockdown in the 14th minute of added time — really should have scored.

Sean Roughan - 5

Absolutely abysmal with the ball until the last minute of the first half, when he put in a lovely cross for Bojan Radulovic to head home the equaliser. Broadly fine after the break. Vital block in injury time after Wallace was beaten, and touched the ball down for Ryan Ledson to finish deep, deep into injury time.

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Lasse Sorensen - 4

One of two changes to the starting line-up after his goal from the bench on Friday. Got into some good forward positions but took too many touches when he had the opportunity to play the ball earlier, giving Orient time to recover. Switched to centre-back midway through the second half with Lynden Gooch taking over out wide.

Cameron Humphreys - 5

Fine. Hard to be too influential in a deep lying role when teammates can’t get the ball to you.

Marcus McGuane- 6

One of a very small number of decent performers in a dreadful first half. Booked soon after the break for a clumsy foul and went off midway through the second half.

Bali Mumba - 4

Didn’t impact the game on the ball. Made some useful defensive interceptions.

Marcus Harness - 4

Booked in the first half, where he joined his teammates in being unable to make an impact. A bit brighter in the second half but collided head-to-head with George Sebine midway through and was left bloodied, but able to keep playing on with a fat bandage.

David Kasumu - 5

Into the side to continue in the number 10 role alongside Marcus Harness. Should have have a free kick just outside the box in first-half injury time after winning the ball off a half-asleep defender. You know exactly what we’re going to say: good off the ball, worked hard, carried it well, poor end product that wasted a few good openings.

Bojan Radulovic - 7

Superbly-steered header after staying onside to meet Roughan’s cross just before the break and give Town a scarcely-deserved equaliser. Deserved more of that kind of service, didn’t get it enough. Knocked it down for Wallace to hit the bar late on.

Substitutes

George Sebine (for McGuane 65) - Clashed heads with Harness immediately after coming on and looked to be in a bad way. Thankfully walked off the pitch but had to be subbed straight back off. n/a

Lynden Gooch (for Balker 65) - Not really an improvement on Sorensen at wing-back. 4

Dion Charles (for Sebine 73) - Chaotic neutral. 4

Mickel Miller (for Harness 90) - A late call-up to the bench after Josh Feeney was forced out of the squad. n/a

Ryan Ledson (for Kasumu 90+6) - Scored the late deflected winner in the 106th minute. n/a

Antony Evans (for Humphreys 90+6) - Twice gave it away on halfway to hand Orient a quick break and was lucky they didn’t take advantage on either occasion. Didn’t look quite right and didn’t seem to have completely mobility. Did however cross in the drop ball from which Town scored their late winner. n/a

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick.

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Lee Nicholls - 5

Had to intervene to stop Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan off Reading’s first threatening attack of the game just before half time, but then brought down Charlie Savage with a clumsy challenge to concede a penalty that Lewis Wing put away.

Radinio Balker - 7

Overlapped Harness to get into the box and cross for Alfie May at one point early on. Looked to get a foot on the ball with a good sliding tackle to try and stop Ehibhatiomhan before Nicholls saved it and then gave away the penalty. Taken off in what we presume was a planned change having only just returned from injury.

Murray Wallace - 6

Left scrambling as Ehibhatiomhan charged into the box off a through ball he seemingly expected to go the other side of him. Solid otherwise. Finished the game as an extra centre-forward.

Sean Roughan - 7

Like Balker, was given a bit of license to push forward like a left-back when the time was right. Played some useful balls in to Alfie May and got into some good crossing positions, delivering a couple of decent balls into the box that just needed a finish, including creating a great chance for Ryan Ledson that he should have buried. Claimed the assist for Sorensen’s equaliser with a ball from deep, with a tip of the cap to George Sebine for dragging the defender away from Sorensen’s path.

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Lynden Gooch - 5

Much better off the ball on this occasion, particularly in the first half. Deliveries into the box left a bit to be desired, and wasted a great chance from a free kick by curling straight at the keeper.

Marcus Harness - 5

A little wayward with his passing in the opening minutes but grew into the game for the rest of the first half. Put a decent effort not too far wide on 21 minutes. Level dropped off again for a spell in the second half as he just couldn’t get the ball to work for him. Felt a foul from Jeriel Dorsett as he charged through on Joel Pereira should have been a penalty and a red card; it was given as a free kick (right, we think?) and a yellow (a bit lenient). Put a dangerous ball across the face of goal in injury time.

Cameron Humphreys - 7

Played behind the rest of the midfield four and used the ball well from deep positions. Unfortunately committed to the press too soon and in doing so opened up half the pitch on the move that produced Reading’s penalty.

Marcus McGuane - 6

Protected the ball really well, to the frustration of the opposition. Put in a decent hour before being replaced by Ryan Ledson.

Bali Mumba - 5

Solid but unspectacular on the left flank. Had a pretty even running battle with Ryan Nyambe.

Bojan Radulovic - 6

A very welcome return to the starting line-up. Definitely made a positive difference to Town’s build-up play, but just not quite there on some of the crucial details yet. Robbed Derrick Williams and then lobbed Pereira to find the net early on, but was belatedly (and correctly) whistled for having pulled Williams’ shirt to win the ball. Twice caught offside at the end of good moves. Committed a few clumsy fouls. Good to get an hour into him.

Alfie May - 5

Had the right ideas and seemed to enjoy playing off Bojan Radulovic, playing a few neat little flicks to try and bring him into the game. Went down with 14 minutes on the clock with what looked to be a shoulder injury but was able to play on until just before the hour. Finishing was poor

Substitutes

David Kasumu (for May 59) - Came on to partner Harness at number 10 just behind a lone striker. Great run and ball in for Harness soon after coming on. Put a late effort a long way off target. Couldn’t quite reach Harness’ late cross at the back post. 6

George Sebine (for Radulovic 59) - 19-year-old academy striker on for his league debut. Tidy first touch off a Town free kick but then looped his shot well off target. Worked hard to try and win knockdown and press the Reading defence. We don’t think he quite got a touch on Roughan’s forward pass for Sorensen’s goal, but his presence was vital. 6

Ryan Ledson (for McGuane 63) - Great movement to meet Roughan’s cross with ten minutes to go but put his header straight at Pereira then was denied on the follow-up too - should have done better with the first attempt really. 5

Josh Feeney (for Balker 63) - Took over at centre-back. A bit ponderous on the ball at times, to the frustration of the crowd, and wasteful with some over-hit long balls to the flanks. 5

Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 76) - Saw out the game at wing-back and recued a point with a fine finish to the bottom corner. 7

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Antony Evans.

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Lee Nicholls - 8

Had a superb first half between the sticks: commanding on set pieces, reacted sharply to Bim Pepple getting in on goal to save with his feet, and made sure he got the ball away from Owen Dale late in the half. Unfortunately received a blow to the head in defending a corner and had to go off in a concussion substitution just before half time.

Josh Feeney - 7

Put in a brilliant first-half performance. Was a bit more exposed after the break, through no fault of his own, with Lynden Gooch not giving him anything like enough cover out wide.

Murray Wallace - 7

As reliable as ever. Frustrated the Plymouth forwards with his robust presence in the first half. Took the captain’s armband from Ryan Ledson after the midfielder had to go off soon after the break. Did what he could with Town’s downfall coming elsewhere.

Sean Roughan - 6

Booked early on for a late and slightly high challenge. Looked a bit daft with a couple of pretty aimless long balls in the opening exchanges but settled into the game from there. Broadly fine, subbed off late on in a tactical switch.

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Lynden Gooch - 3

Wasn’t the most convincing player on the pitch to begin with and degraded from there. Gave the ball away in his own half too many times, including putting Nicholls under pressure with a backwards header to force an intervention from the keeper that Plymouth wanted given as a penalty. Completely lost control of the battle against Own Dale on that flank in the second half.

Ryan Ledson - 5

Solid enough in the first half. Gave away a cheap corner with a poor backpass in the second half and atoned a bit by clearing a shot off the line from the resulting set piece, but it still proved costly as Owen Dale went on to smash home. Went off holding his back/rear moments later.

Cameron Humphreys - 7

Great run and even more impressive composure to run at the Plymouth line, get into the box by selling a dummy, then finish to make it 1-0. Kept working hard throughout the game and was reliably good on his duels.

Bali Mumba - 4

Went in with a rather strong and high challenge on 18 minutes that some referees might have shown red for — got a yellow instead. Not as effective as Town would have liked, but does deserve some credit for racing back to make a superb recovery tackle that he had to get right to stop Joe Edwards getting clean through on Jak Alnwick.

Marcus Harness - 4

Great through ball to put Alfie May in for a first-half effort that was saved in easily the highlight of his game. Otherwise unable to make the most of Town’s rare attacking moments through most of the game, and looked (understandably) frustrated when they did get forward only for it to come to nothing late on.

Antony Evans - 4

Played his part in the build-up to Town’s opener. Almost handed Plymouth an equaliser seven minutes later with an ill-judged backwards pass that put Pepple in on goal, but Nicholls made the save. Lost his man on the set piece from which Plymouth equalised after a scramble. Blazed a decent half-chance well off target early in the second half before being replaced moments later.

Alfie May - 6

Better runs and movement at the centre-forward rather than going looking for work. Played Humphreys in to run at the defence and open the scoring, and later got in on goal himself off Harness’ pass but put a powerful effort straight at the keeper.

Substitutes

Jak Alnwick (for Nicholls 45+4) - Forced into action from the bench. Little he could do about the penalty, of course, but didn’t have command of the box on the equaliser and dropped a clanger for the third goal as he spilled a pretty tame effort straight at the feet of Owen Oseni to tap home. 3

David Kasumu (for Ledson 50) - Fine. 5

Cameron Ashia (for Evans 54) - Completely unnecessary foul off the ball to give away a penalty off a pretty directionless ball into the box. Went for the spectacular by shooting after Gascoigneing himself into the box at 3-1 down, despite better options ins the box. 3

Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 77) - Necessary change at right-back — should have been done earlier. 5

Dion Charles (for Roughan 77) - Looked a bit sharper for his time out of the side. Had the right ideas for how to play off May and vice versa, but Plymouth were just happy to hold on and hit Town on the counter at that point. 5

Unused substitutes: Jack Whatmough, Marcus McGuane.

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Lee Nicholls - 7

Possibly should have come out for the long throw from which Josh Feeney scored an own goal, but perhaps got a shout not to. Got it spot on when he came off his line to stop Ben House getting any time to pick his spot after getting through one-on-one early in the second half. Denied Sonny Bradley’s low header from a corner with a sharp save. Was beaten by an inswinging corner that had to be cleared off the line on 67 minutes.

Josh Feeney - 5

Not sure what he was thinking directing his header towards Nicholls’ goal to allow Lincoln to claw one back from 2-0 down. Was beaten to a flick-on into the box by House just after the break, but was bailed out by Nicholls’ intervention. Got away with a pretty clear handball as he slid in to block a shot midway through the second half - no intent but should have been given. Gave it the full Steven Taylor to make out it had hit him in the face instead. Actually did a lot of good defending in between those three incidents, mind.

Murray Wallace - 8

Exactly the performance you are imagining from that name and that mark. Tried to get over to cut out the flick-on from the late long throw that produced Lincoln’s equaliser, but couldn’t quite get there.

Sean Roughan - 8

Enjoyed getting a bit of stick from fans of his former club in the away end just before he took the long throw from which Town doubled their lead. Kept Lincoln quiet on his side, helped out Wallace when he needed to, and made a vital intervention to head the ball off the line and stop a corner from curling straight into the net.

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Lynden Gooch - 7

Returned from injury a bit sooner than had been let on to come in at right wing-back. Booked on the stroke of half-time for a cynical foul to try and stop a Lincoln break. Got out of touch in his own half a few times with good footwork and a welcome presence in the final third. Taken off early in the second half in what seemed to be a planned sub.

David Kasumu - 8

Gave absolutely everything for the cause, as he always does. Great outlet for Town’s counter-attacks and played some nice stuff just outside the Lincoln box.

Ryan Ledson - 8

Took his goal well after reacting sharply to the loose ball. Won the ball well and played some really good balls in behind for Hardie and May, particularly one for Hardie late in the first half that was just cut out at the last second by Sonny Bradley’s sliding tackle. Should have done better with an unmarked header at the near post off a corner. All-round excellent performance though, especially in the first half.

Cameron Humphreys - 7

Reliable central midfield performance throughout. Useful composure late on as Town worked to see out the game. Went in the book deep into stoppage time for what looked to be a perfectly good challenge.

Bali Mumba - 6

Relatively quiet in a slightly more reserved wing-back role but did what he needed to do and did it well. Played a ball in behind for Hardie that produced a reasonable penalty shout for Town. Good run to try and win a header at the back post off Lasse Sorensen’s cross but was just beaten to it. Couldn’t react quickly enough to the flick-on from Lincoln’s injury-time throw-in to do anything about it except let it bounce off him for Ryley Towler to finish.

Ryan Hardie - 7

Marked his birthday with a well-taken goal, calmly finishing off after sending Adam Reach to the wrong fire and then sitting down keeper George Wickens with a second dummy. Looked to have been brought down in a ‘seen them given’ way inside the box a few minutes later, but nothing given. Had a good 52 minutes before going down with a knock that forced him off — hopefully precautionary.

Antony Evans - 7

Started at centre-forward alongside Hardie, surprisingly. Lovely ball in behind the Lincoln defence for Hardie to score the opener. Dropped in just behind Hardie and alongside Kasumu midway through the first half, presumably in a bid to try and find a bit more space between the lines and give Town more presence in the press amid a spell of Lincoln pressure. Good shift before going off just after the hour.

Substitutes

Alfie May (for Hardie 53) - Caught the keeper with a high challenge after he came out 30 yards to deal with a long ball — lucky to avoid a card for it. Chased and harried well, and tried to provide little flicks and touches to get Town on the front foot. Didn’t get too much chance to do loads else as the half wore on and Lincoln applied the pressure looking for an equaliser. 6

Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 53) - Had a back-and-forth battle with fellow substitute Reeco Hackett that we’ll call a draw. 6

Marcus Harness (for Evans 61) - Fresh legs for the midfield. 6

Marcus McGuane (for Kasumu 79) - Likewise. 6

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Jack Whatmough, Cameron Ashia.

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Lee Nicholls - 6

Routine saves to make for the most part, but will have been frustrated at having to see out a bit of a late flurry. Did well to repel Jaheim Headley’s powerful ball across the face of goal.

Josh Feeney - 7

Saw a header come back out off the crossbar from a Town corner in the first half. Did his work off the ball well to help Town get the clean sheet.

Murray Wallace - 6

Solid enough performance. Picked up a late booking for a rough challenge.

Sean Roughan - 6

Sent Marcus Harness into the box with a long throw early on that nearly resulted in an own goal. Mixed bag on the ball otherwise, fine at the back.

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Lasse Sorensen - 7

Strong with his defensive duties after being restored to the side. Lovely delivery from a corner to find Feeney’s header against the bar. Played some useful long balls from deep that found their mark.

David Kasumu - 6

Put in the kind of shift we know to expect from him off the ball and left the more complex stuff with the ball to others. Sacrificed last on to get an extra centre-forward onto the pitch.

Cameron Humphreys - 7

Worked hard and reacted quickly to win the ball back as soon as possible whenever Town lost it — really was quite the effort off the ball. Was guilty of them losing it a few times in the first place, mind, but was at least more forward-looking than in his last game.

Bali Mumba - 4

Relatively quiet in the early going but game into the game more as it went on and struck up an promising partnership with Harness up that side in the middle half an hour, before his game really dropped off again around the hour.

Cameron Ashia - 4

Got the better of Jaheim Headley a few times in the first half but then was unable to do anything meaningful with it. Needlessly offside after making his run too soon as the end of a good Town move after the break. Taken off midway through the second half.

Ryan Hardie - 4

Made some good runs in the first half that ended up coming to nothing. Had to fight for long balls, which he did OK. Ultimately had few opportunities int he game htough and put his bets opening some way off target. Looked tired in the final stages but stayed on until the end, which might stand him in good stead for future.

Marcus Harness - 6

Played off the left of Town’s front three. Did very well to carve open the Port Vale defence in the best attacking move of the first half, and nearly forced an own goal with his ball across the face of goal before Liam Gordon cleared his own bad touch off the line. Pressed very well and won the ball to get Town on the attack several times. Played a big part in all Town’s better moves but there were just too few of them.

Substitutes

Mickel Miller (for Ashia 65) - Took over on the right wing for a bit, slightly surprisingly, before moving to left wing-back after the next sub. Never found his feet in the game with several poor touches. 4

Will Alves (for Sorensen 73) - Went onto the right wing with Mumba taking over at right wing-back. Didn’t have the desired effect. 4

Bobby Wales (for Kasumu 84) - Just needed to find Hardie with a cross to the near post after running onto Humphreys’ ball over the top, but blazed it out of the box instead. Gave the keeper a comfortable save with a shot from a set piece after a loose ball rolled his way. 3

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Jack Whatmough, Antony Evans, Ryan Ledson.

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Lee Nicholls - 7

Forced into a good save at the top corner early on to keep out a looping effort. Had the scramble to get a dodgy Radinio Balker backpass away from danger under pressure.

Bali Mumba - 6

Started at right-back. Had to play a more conservative role than when he has been at left wing-back but did it well enough.

Radinio Balker - 6

Put in a perfectly unobjectionable 42 minutes — that backpass aside — before going down with a groin injury that forced him out of the game.

Murray Wallace - 7

Drew some impatient grumbles from the fans with his patient approach on the ball — not sure if that was about trying to draw a press or waiting looking for options to present themselves. Defensively sound and made a vital block int eh last mintue of injury time, which Rotherham claimed as a handball but not given.

Sean Roughan - 7

He at least looked to play the ball forward when he could, we’ll give him that, and looked frustrated whenever he had to go backwards due to a lack of options ahead of him. Put in a good shift with his defensive work. Good cross from the left to force the own goal.

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Ryan Ledson - 6

Tried to play quick one-touch football where it was appropriate, usually to try and bring Marcus Harness into play quickly — a shame his teammates refused to join in. Made some decent challenges in the first half, often to make up for mistakes by his teammates. Overhit a couple of passes into the box out for goal kicks.

Cameron Humphreys - 4

Had some bright moments, most notably getting to the byline and crossing for Ryan Hardie to head off target, and playing a lovely long ball onto the wing for Ashia. Won some decent sliding tackles too. But was often too slow, much too unadventurous, and occasionally sloppy with the ball in the first half, drawing the groans of the crowd multiple times in the first half. Just not what the side needed on the occasion. Better in the final half hour. With some justification, felt he should have had a penalty in the second half after looking like he was pulled down inside the box after beating a defender. Great delivery from the resulting corner for Josh Feeney’s saved header.

Antony Evans - 5

Made his first start of the season, operating as a number 10 who tended to drift to the left in search of space — but often felt compelled drop deep to try and give Town an out ball as they kept getting stuck int heir own half. Played some promising through balls looking for Hardie, giving Town a bit of something that has been missing from the side. A bit over-ambitious with some of his passing but hard to knock him too much for trying a risky ball in a side that didn’t do nearly enough of it. Got a bit of a kick just before we went off but that substitution was already in the works — didn’t look to be anything serious.

Marcus Harness - 3

Played off the left wing. Struggled to get his into the game in the early going and pretty much strayed in that vein throughout the first half. Was under heavy pressure most of the time he got the ball but was unconvincing even when he had space.

Cameron Ashia - 4

In for his first start since facing Rotherham in the Trophy. Plenty of endeavour and running, as usual, but didn’t find any moments of real quality. Made an important clearance midway through the second half to get away a dangerous ball to the back post.

Ryan Hardie - 4

Cut a frustrated figure for the first 10-15 minutes then looked a little rusty with the timing of some of his runs and work with the ball when Town actually gave him something to try and get onto. Took a poor touch after racing onto the best pass of the game courtesy of Evans, causing the opportunity to go begging. Forced Lenny Agbaire to go up for the header that looped over the keeper for the own goal.

Substitutes

Josh Feeney (for Balker 45) - Introduced just before the break for his stricken comrade. Had a great header superbly kept out off Humphreys’ corner. No issues at the back. 7

Bobby Wales (for Evans 62) - Named on the bench with Alfie May missing through illness. Came on alongside Hardie as Town went two up top. Chased and harried well. Unnecessarily offside on a late opening. 4

David Kasumu (for Harness 62) - Offered his usual work rate and was a benefit to Town’s play. 6

Will Alves (for Hardie 82) - Useful trickery and ball-keeping for the closing stages to see the result out. n/a

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Lasse Sorensen, Mickel Miller.

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Lee Nicholls - 7

Out quickly to smother an early strike after Wigan got in on goal. Claimed what needed to be claimed. Was left wrong-footed by a slight deflection off Marcus Harness as Wigan took the lead just after the hour, having made a good stop to deny another chance from a corner moments before.

Radinio Balker - 7

Strong showing throughout the game. Battled well and did what he could to help the struggling Lasse Sorensen out without putting himself out of position. Unable to get a full connection on his headed clearance from a well-delivered set piece from which Wigan ultimately scored.

Murray Wallace - 6

Had to be bailed out by Nicholls after his poor touch let Dara Costelloe into the box early on, and took another poor touch late in the first half and needed Balker to help him out of trouble. Otherwise generally solid, though, and particularly brave to go in and win a header to stop a dangerous low Wigan cross

Sean Roughan - 5

Read the game really well on several occasions to cut out Wigan’s attempts to find a bit of joy on his side of the box. Lovely ball over the top for Ryan Hardie midway through the first half that forced the Wigan keeper to come out of his box to get there first. Had a strong first hour but looked a bit laboured on the ball after Town went 1-0 down, particularly with his set piece deliveries. Received the ire of the away end for curling a corner straight onto the top of the net then later curling one straight to the keeper. Picked up a late booking for a clumsy foul.

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Lasse Sorensen - 3

Had plenty of defending to do in the opening half hour as Wigan kept targeting his side of the pitch. Picked up a yellow card late in the first half, prompting Gary Caldwell to stick Joseph Hungbo on at the break to run at Sorensen. Taken off in a bid to stem the tide midway through the second half with Bali Mumba taking over at right-back.

Ryan Ledson - 6

Usually in the right spot to pick up a loose pass or make an interception around the halfway line in the first half, but quieter after the break.

Cameron Humphreys - 6

Great run and ball across the box for Ryan Hardie to hit the post on 18 minutes. Looked sharp on the ball in the first half and played some nice exchanges with Mumba in particular. Like Ledson, though, he got lost in the shuffle a bit for much of the second half.

Bali Mumba - 7

Had easily his best 45 minutes of football for Town as he was the best player on the pitch in the first half. Strong with his defending, linked up well with his teammates in attack, and had a decent effort deflected onto the woodwork on 36 minutes. Moved over to the right wing in a 4-4-2 soon after the break to help deal with Wigan’s threat down that flank, then to right-back ten minutes later to accommodate Cameron Ashia.

Marcus Harness - 5

Played a part in most of Town’s better moves in the first half. Had a looping headed turned around the post from on the line. Looked like he would have to give Sorensen more help in defence after the break given his yellow card, but picked up a booking of his own just six minutes after the restart, prompting Manning to move him across to the opposite wing. Unable to get more than a glancing touch on Jensen Weir’s strike as he tried to block it with his knee. Much more of a mixed bag playing off the left wing in the second half. Had a decent late strike well saved, with the Wigan keeper recovering in time to stop it bouncing over the line.

Alfie May - 4

Started at number 10 alongside Harness. Brighter showing from him early doors, and had a shot cleared off the line on the rebound from Hardie hitting the post that he maybe should have hit better. Had an overhead kick blocked off the rebound from Mumba’s effort, too. Unable to sustain his promising start however and was too sloppy with the ball at times. Briefly joined Hardie as an out-and-out centre-forward after the change to 4-4-2.

Ryan Hardie - 5

Made his first start for the club. Made useful runs throughout his time on the pitch. Hit the post with a low strike in Town’s first real effort of the game having done well to get the shot off under heavy pressure. Visibly very tired just before the hour and understandably subbed off.

Substitutes

Dion Charles (for May 58) - Received a rather unkind welcome onto the pitch from the away end. Looked to have done well to get across to stop Callum Wright’s cutback off a set piece, but failed to make a proper connection with the ball, which rolled on to Weir to smash home. Unable to offer anything up top on his own, which we already knew really. 4

Will Alves (for May 58) - Played just behind Charles in a 4-2-3-1. Have to give credit for his defensive work rate. Started a few attacks by winnign the ball, driving forward and finding a teammate. 6

Cameron Ashia (for Sorensen 68) - Came on to play on the right wing Picked up a knock moments after coming onto the pitch but was able to run it off. Again caused issues with his running, but his deliveries were consistently blocked. 5

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Josh Feeney, Antony Evans, David Kasumu.

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Lee Nicholls - 7

Started the game by confidently claiming a low cross and continued in that vein throughout the first half. Soundly beaten by an excellent finish as Barnsley went 1-0 up - the issue was that Town gave David McGoldrick far too much space to take it from the corner of the box. Denied McGoldrick with his leg on the stroke of half time after taking up a good position to block the shot. Lucky McGoldrick didn’t take full advantage as he slid back to keep Radinio Balker’s header in play and stopped the ball dead, only to keep sliding beyond the byline and out of reach of the ball.

Radinio Balker - 7

Was in no-man’s land when McGoldrick blazed into the box in first-half stoppage time and forced a save from Nicholls. Put Nicholls in trouble again early in the second half with a dreadful backwards header, but superb sliding tackle to stop Tom Bradshaw getting clean through into the box and generally excellent throughout the second half.

Murray Wallace - 8

Played in the middle of an adventurous back three and showed off his passing range early on with multiple useful sprays out to Lasse Sorensen up the right as Town looked to get everyone into the opposition half. Defensively impressive again and threw his head onto everything that went into his territory. Great tackle on Bradshaw late on to make up for giving the ball away moments before, and made a crucial intervention in injury time in a penalty box scramble.

Sean Roughan - 7

Poor clearance on the way to Barnsley’s early disallowed goal, giving possession straight back to the visitors. Solid enough in general with a lot of Barnsley’s threat coming from the other side, and helped ensure they offered no real threat on Nicholls’ goal after Town went ahead.

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Lasse Sorensen - 5

Great interception on 28 minutes to spark a Town attack out of nothing but his ball in to Alfie May was poor. Got into good attacking positions up the right, but negligent with his defending too often in the first half, prompting Liam Manning to abandon his initial 3-4-3 for a 4-3-3 within half an hour. Gave Barnsley far too much space down that left side, losing track of Reyes Cleary several times and ludicrously standing off McGoldrick as he curled a brilliant shot past Nicholls to give Barnsley the lead. Successful in closing the back door after the break while still finding opportunities to get forward.

Ryan Ledson - 7

Could have done more to help Sorensen deal with McGoldrick as Barnsley went ahead, and was beaten too easily by McGoldrick as he threatened a second just before the break. Enjoyed a really positive second half, despite being harshly booked for what looked to be a good clean recovery tackle immediately after the restart. Had more encouragement to get forward on this occasion in a true box-to-box role. Got to the byline a couple of times early on, but unable to find teammates with his final ball. Used that license to get free in the box to score his headed equaliser. Sent Hardie away for a chance he should have done better with.

Cameron Humphreys - 5

Was on set piece duty for much of the game and put in some promising deliveries that Barnsley did well to deal with. Broadly fine without being eye-catching.

Bali Mumba - 5

Looked like he should have had a penalty given against him for a second game in a row after seeming to catch Corey O’Keeffe during a scramble on an early corner, but got away with it. Effectively operated as Town’s third central midfielder at times even before the switch to 4-3-3 enshrined that role. Unable to get his head to Ledson’s cross midway through the first half with what would have been a great chance. Had a really poor first half — frustratingly wasteful with the ball again and lost too many physical battles — but much better after the break and put in a peach of a cross for Ledson to equalise.

Will Alves - 4

Played on the right of the front three. A lot more of what we’ve seen from him recently in the first half: got into decent positions, showed some nice touches, unable to actually make much happen with the ball with his passes and crosses failing to find their mark. Very unconvincing off the ball. Made way for Ryan Hardie ten minutes into the second half.

Alfie May - 4

Had a quiet start to the game playing in the middle of the front three. Needed a better delivery from Sorensen after getting free in the box at the end of a counter-press just after the half-hour. That was about his only notable involvement before he went off for the much more influential Cameron Ashia.

Marcus Harness - 5

Played on the left of the front three throughout. Received big ironic cheers from the home fans as his tame header at Owen Goodman finally registered as a shot on target for the Terriers after two games without one. Pressed everything but not as involved in the game as he would have liked, and wasted a chance to put Hardie through on goal in injury time.

Substitutes

Ryan Hardie (for Alves 56) - Unstoppably powerful finish to the bottom corner to claim his first goal for the club and put the Terriers ahead. Should have done better after being played in behind the Barnsley defence by Ledson, only to balloon his shot well off target. 7

Cameron Ashia (for May 73) - Came on to play on the right wing and registered an assist immediately by putting it on a plate for Hardie to finish. Characteristically selfish with the ball at times but cannot ignore his impact on the game. 7

David Kasumu (for Humphreys 81) - Saw out the game in central midfield. 6

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Josh Feeney, Antony Evans, Dion Charles.

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Lee Nicholls - 6

Very little to do. Booked for dissent after the penalty was awarded. Sent the wrong way for the penalty by Molynuex. Did well to deny Bailey late on.

Lynden Gooch - 6

Started well and threatened throughout down the right with some dangerous balls into the box but no teammates on hand to finish them. Later crosses either found the head of Neill Byrne or had no Town player anywhere near them. Was subbed off late on holding his groin.

Radinio Balker - 6

Caught under the ball just before half time which almost led to Gibson doubling Rovers’ lead. Solid game otherwise with little to test him on a cold evening. Put an overhead kick well off target late on.

Murray Wallace - 6

Should have possibly put Town ahead with a free header from a Gooch corner. Dealt with what he needed to in a game lacking any real attacking threat from either side.

Sean Roughan - 5

Struggled with Rovers’ right hand side in the first half. Didn’t have much to deal with in the second half.

Bali Mumba - 3

Struggled against Molyneux. Got caught beneath the ball and allowed Molyneux to head back across goal into his hand to give away the penalty. Bullied by Molynuex going one way, Sterry the other. Came close to levelling just after half time but couldn’t stretch to reach Gooch’s low cross after reacting too slowly. Could have conceded a second penalty for a push but the referee waved the appeals away.

Ryan Ledson - 4

Blocked an almost certain goal from Molyneux getting back to deny the Rovers danger man 6 yards out before setting off a counter attack. Had opportunities to drive the midfield forward in the press but took a more conservative approach. Put a last-second chance wide.

David Kasumu - 5

Busy trying to make town tick with Ledson but nothing came off despite a few bright sparks and breaks forward. Passes astray throughout. Replaced with 10 minutes to go

Marcus Harness - 4

Tried to make things happen but nothing came off. Got drawn into squabbles and grapples. Had a few efforts from range in the first half but no real threat.

Will Alves - 4

Put into the starting line-up after being excluded at Stevenage. Had some nice touches and at least had the right attacking mindset, which is more than can be said for most of his teammates on the day, but with no real end product to show for it.

Dion Charles - 3

Ineffective throughout. Seemed to give up after being through on goal early in the second half assuming an offside flag would go up that never did. Lost the battle with McGrath early on and never recovered. Felt a bit sorry for him early on as he looked isolated, but was dreadful with the ball when he did get it. Not a great night for the striker, whose departure was cheered by the Town fans.

Substitutes

Bobby Wales (for Charles 62) - Made a difference almost instantly running in behind and winning a corner showing. Showed at least of bit of the presence Town had lacked in the opening hour but was not brought into the game nearly enough. 5

Cameron Ashia (for Roughan 62) - Looked lively from his introduction, winning a dangerous free kick which Town did nothing with. Grew frustrated as he struggled to make anything happen. but did put in the cross for Ledson’s late chance. 5

Ryan Hardie (for Alves 79) - On for his club debut. n/a

Lasse Sorenson (for Gooch 79) - n/a

Cameron Humphreys (for Kasumu 79) - n/a

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Josh Feeney.

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Lee Nicholls - 5

Made a good low stop with his leg early on after closing down Matt Phillips’ shot, and great goalkeeping to get off his line quickly and cut out a flick-on across the box before Jamie Reid could get there. On the downside, was beaten in the air by Dan Sweeney after coming of his line to try and get to a cross, but it went over the bar. Conceded an unnecessary corner for holding onto the ball too long. Kicking poor even by his standards, and put Town in trouble with an awful pass as they conceded the free kick from which Stevenage took their late lead.

Radinio Balker - 7

Played a hybrid right-back on the ball/centre-back off the ball role. Defended well, in common with the rest of the back line. Had a couple erratic moments here and there but generally decent.

Josh Feeney - 7

Strong centre-back showing against some difficult attackers to handle.

Murray Wallace - 6

Had his hands full with Reid but stood up to him superbly. Was beaten into the box by Matt Phillips but had forced him wide enough that Nicholls had a chance to make the save, and otherwise won absolutely everything that went in his direction for most of the game — only to be crucially and soundly beaten in the air by Carl Piergianni as he headed home Stevenage’s winner.

Bali Mumba - 4

Shot wide after cutting inside early on 17 minutes with what would prove to be Town’s best chance of the game. Much too quiet thereafter on the ball, albeit he did his defensive duties well enough. Wasted a last-minute free kick by ploughing it into the back of an opponent.

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Ryan Ledson - 6

Booked for a late tackle on 22 minutes. Won some good challenges in his own half and usually looked to lay it off simply. Unobjectionable, unexceptional.

Marcus McGuane - n/a

Received a kick six minutes into the game that left him down in pain. Briefly returned to the fray but then went down again and had to be subbed off.

Lasse Sorensen - 5

One of two changes from the side that started the last league game, alongside David Kasumu. Essentially played as a winger a 4-2-3-1 on the ball that became a 5-4-1 out of possession. As with Mumba, defensively fine, but too quiet in attack.

David Kasumu - 7

Started in a pressing number 10 role after playing in a deeper berth in midweek, but then dropped back in alongside Ledson after McGuane’s early injury. Worked incredibly hard and won numerous challenges in midfield, including some important recovery tackles.

Marcus Harness - 4

Played off the left flank. Received a yellow card for a high boot midway through the first half, and rode his luck on a couple of occasions before the break with a cynical shirt pull and delaying a Stevenage throw-in. Has had better games recently and found it hard to get much going on this occasion.

Dion Charles - 4

You know the tale by now: can’t fault his commitment but just didn’t have the quality to make a difference against a massive Stevenage back line.

Substitutes

Cameron Humphreys (for McGuane 10) - A forced introduction early on. Went on at number 10 with license to drop deeper to try and build the play…or at least, so it looked. Played a couple of promising forward balls but no more than that, and Manning would have wanted more. Was taken back off late on. 4

Mickel Miller (for Harness 66) - Took over on the left wing. Had a couple of promising moments that ultimately came to nothing. Conceded the free kick from which Stevenage scored by committing a clumsy challenge in response to Nicholls’ poor ball. 5

Cameron Ashia (for Humphreys 79) - Lucky that Louis Thompson put a shot out for a throw after losing him to let him go free in the Town box. Nipped in to rob Charlie Goode on the edge of the Stevenage box in the 90th minute but unable to get a shot away as the defender did well to win a challenge but lobbed his own keeper, only for it to bounce narrowly wide. Had Town’s only shot of the second half. 5

Bobby Wales (for Charles 79) - No impact on the game. Had just one touch in his 20 minutes on the pitch and couldn’t compete in the air. Some service might have been nice, mind. 3

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Sean Roughan, Lynden Gooch.

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Jak Alnwick - 6

In for his club debut. Wasn’t given much of anything to do over the 90 minutes besides Doncaster’s first-half penalty, with Billy Sharp sending him the wrong way. Came off his line to punch away a couple of crosses that needed dealing with and started a swift last-minute counter-attack by confidently claiming a corner. Saved from Luke Molyneux in the shootout but was given no chance by Ben Close or Robbie Gotts.

Lasse Sorensen - 6

Right-back in a familiar and fluid 4-2-3-1 that turned into a 3-4-1-2. Didn’t offer as much attacking threat as Town would have liked in the first half. Curled a shot out for a throw trying to catch Timothee Lo-Tutala off his line. Made an important last-ditch tackle midway through the second half to stop Donny getting clean through on Alnwick. Had a decent shot bravely blocked by a defender’s head after sprinting into the box at speed from the right. Saw his poor penalty saved in the shootout.

Josh Feeney - 7

Partnered Murray Wallace at centre-back. Started the game in convincing and confident sorts with several timely clean challenges and some impressive touches on the ball, but put Wallace in trouble with a poor touch that forced Wallace into action as Town conceded a penalty. Had a good game overall, though, which he needed.

Murray Wallace - 5

Captain on the night. Had to act to try and get beat Tom Nixon to the loose ball from Feeney’s poor touch, but made the wrong decision and got there fractionally late to commit a foul and give away a penalty. Largely steady away after that but was beaten to the byline late on and needed bailing out by Feeney getting across to block the cross from the byline.

Sean Roughan - 6

Back in the side after seven games out injured, playing at left-back. Did well defending his side before being taken off soon after the hour.

David Kasumu - 6

Started the game well and got a few ripples of applause for decent tackles and threatening carries. Had a bit of an unconvincing spell either side of the break but settled back into the game. Put a shot narrowly wide after driving forward from deep to get into the box, and was replaced moments later.

Marcus McGuane - 5

Had a slightly frustrating evening of it with his efforts to beat his man coming to nothing and a couple of clumsy fouls. Went off just after the hour.

Will Alves - 6

Got his first appearance under Liam Manning, which means we can stop bloody going on about it now. Played off the right wing with license to drift inside. Put a shot narrowly wide just after the half hour after beating several men to drive inside and get to the edge of the box. Looked to be trying too hard to make an impression by doing it it all on his own at times. More convincing after half time, particularly on the counter-attack when he had space to run into. Had two shots turned over the bar in quick succession just after Town equalised, and had a shot to the bottom corner superbly saved by an excellent low stop.

Alfie May - 5

Played a fluid role that was sometimes number 10 and sometimes centre-forward. A lot of the right ideas and poor execution in the first half as he was unable to find teammates with his through balls. Fared better in the second half despite being less involved as he released Alves for that chance that was fingertipped wide, and later had a decent injury-time strike that Lo-Tutala did well to turn over the bar. Took the first penalty of the shootout, which the keeper saved.

Mickel Miller - 5

Saw plenty of the ball on the left wing and looked to cut inside when the opportunity presented itself, but like the rest of his teammates in that first half, his final ball was lacking. Taken off at half time in what we understand was a planned change.

Bobby Wales - 5

Made his first start for the club. Put in a bit of an uneven first half with some nice touches and lay-offs, but also a few silly fouls and poor passes that squandered possession. Got the ball away to Cameron Ashia as Town broke from a Doncaster corner to equalise.

Substitutes

Cameron Ashia (for Miller 46) - Straight swap on the left wing. Once again made a big impression by skinning Sean Grehan on the counter-attack and cutting inside to score the equaliser — albeit the keeper should probably have saved it. Put a low ball across the face of goal off a similar move that just needed a touch to turn it in. A bit ambitious with some of his later shots. 7

Bali Mumba (for Roughan 64) - Took over at left-back. Didn’t make a real impact on the game. 5

Cameron Humphreys (for McGuane 64) - Kept things tidy for the most part playing in the double pivot. Got Town out of some tight spaces in his own half. 6

Antony Evans (for Kasumu 73) - Another welcome sight on his return from that heartbreaking knee injury he suffered just after his last return. Stepped up to take Town’s decisive fourth penalty and saw his powered effort come back out off the underside of the bar. 5

Dion Charles (for Wales 73) - Unable to reach Ashia’s ball across the face of goal ten minutes from time. Felt he was fouled by Matty Pearson as he raced through to try and reach a long ball but it was six of one, half a dozen of the other. Just needed to find May at the back post with an injury-time counter-attack but put his cross straight at a defender. Had a very poor penalty saved low to the keeper’s right. 4

Unused substitutes: Nik Tzanev, Radinio Balker.

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Lee Nicholls - 5

Should have kept out Ashley Fletcher’s set piece goal as Blackpool took the lead midway through the first half, but it squeezed under his body and over the line off his hand. Saved well to deny Fletcher’s volley early in the second half.

Radinio Balker - 3

Has been superb recently but had a nightmare here. Didn’t get out to Fletcher quickly enough to stop him from getting his shot off to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Was caught jogging back towards the box as Blackpool went on the attack for their second goal, only breaking into a sprint to try and catch the unmarked Michael Obafemi when it was too late — really unacceptable. Moved over to right-back as Town went 4-2-3-1 in the second half, then returned to centre-back just after the hour.

Josh Feeney - 5

Into the middle of the back three for the injured Joe Low. Lacked Low’s presence in the box at times but did get across to make an important tackle to stop Blackpool getting clean in on goal late in the first half. Partnered Wallace in a back four after the break for a spell before going off to get Lasse Sorensen on at right-back.

Murray Wallace - 5

Struggled against some of the pace in the Blackpool attack. Didn’t engage quickly enough on the edge of the box en route to the second goal. Steady away after the break.

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Lynden Gooch - 3

In for Lasse Sorensen, but picked up where he left off from the bench against Peterborough with a thoroughly unconvincing showing at both ends of the pitch. Crossing was dreadful and struggled to beat his man. Pushed forward into an out-and-out right winger role after the break.

Ryan Ledson - 5

Alongside Marcus McGuane, was given a huge amount of space to cover if and when Blackpool broke to initial press with Town setting up in a 5-2-3 when defending in the opposition half..

Marcus McGuane - 5

Too timid with some of his defending, including failing to make a challenge in the build-up to Blackpool’s second goal and pulling out of a header soon after the break to allow Fletcher a shot on goal that Nicholls did well to save.

Bali Mumba - 6

Unable to get his ball around the ball to turn it into an open net off Charles’ ball across the face of goal on 15 minutes. Kept losing the ball to poor touches after doing all the hard work to get into decent positions up the left in the first half. Dropped in at left-back in the second half, and overlapped Miller to put in a great cross that Cameron Ashia finished off at the back post to make it 2-2.

Cameron Humphreys - 5

In for David Kasumu at number 10. Played some nice disguised passes in behind the Blackpool defence in the opening minutes and worked hard to try and win the ball, but ultimately unable to make a telling impact on the game.

Marcus Harness - 8

Shifted over to the left-sided number 10 role so he and Humphreys could both invert and look for shooting opportunities. One of the only bright sparks of an awful first half with his determined pressing and tidy work on the ball to keep play moving forward. A shame nobody else matched his level. Put an unstoppable header home from Sorensen’s cross to give Town hope of a comeback.

Dion Charles - 6

Skinned his man several times in the early going to get into dangerous positions. Had one cross headed away from Harness, a shot off the post from a narrow angle, and a low ball across the face of goal for Mumba all in the space of the first 15 minutes. Kept working his socks off but looked a bit desperate and rushed with the ball at times, to his detriment.

Substitutes

David Kasumu (for Humphreys 56) - Took over the number 10 role before moving back into central midfield late on. Had a shot turned over the bar with his first touch. 6

Bobby Wales (for Charles 57) - On for his debut after arriving on loan on deadline day. Gave Town the option of going long. Booked for a clumsy challenge late on. Kept two men occupied inside the box to allow Ashia to score the late equaliser. 6

Mickel Miller (for Feeney 64) - Surprisingly, a straight swap onto the right wing. Played his part in Harness’ goal by winning a duel in the corner to get it away to Sorensen. Put a great low ball across the six yard box that just needed a touch but nobody was there to finish it. 6

Lasse Sorensen (for Gooch 64) - Went on at right-back. Perfect cross for Harness to pull a goal back for Town. 7

Cameron Ashia (for McGuane 85) - Took over from Miller on the right wing with Miller going to the left, Harness into number 10, and Kasumu dropping in alongside Ledson. 7

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Will Alves.

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Lee Nicholls - 6

Didn’t have a save to make in the first half, helpless on the goals really.

Radinio Balker - 8

Did well to put Harry Leonard under pressure and cause him to put his header off target in Peterborough’s only real chance of the first half in the opening minutes. Needed a bit of medical attention after taking a blow to the face midway through the first half was was passed fit to continue. Read the game consistently well and was usually in the right place to stop a Peterborough pass into his channel.

Joe Low - 7

Felt he should have had a penalty for a shirt pull on an early Town corner. Was beaten by Leonard to win a flick-on and hit the post in the move from which Peterborough cut Town’s advantage down to 2-1 and was taken off shortly after.

Murray Wallace - 7

Gave the ball away twice in the space of about five seconds late in the first half, but Town got away with it. His usual reliable self otherwise. Did his best to stop Kyryell Lisbie as Peterborough pulled their goal back and won a block before Lisbie finished off the loose ball. Made another vital block shortly thereafter as Peterborough pushed for an equaliser.

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Lasse Sorensen - 7

Skimmed the side-netting with a side-footed volley in the first 15 minutes in a bit of a previous of his goal on 27 minutes — keeper should really have kept it out but it was well struck nonetheless. Taken off in the second half.

Ryan Ledson - 8

Massive effort to keep breaking up Peterborough’s play, particularly around the halfway line when he received the trigger to press from Town’s mid block. Worked that to brilliant effect as a well-won tackle ran through for Dion Charles to set up Sorensen’s goal. Could count himself a quite fortunate he only got a yellow and not a red for a very high boot on Leonard soon after the break — his only saving grace may have been that the Peterborough man had his foot slightly raised too.

Marcus McGuane - 7

Excellent on the recovery whenever Peterborough were able to work it into the final third. Made a number of important challenges around the corner of the Town box.

Bali Mumba - 7

Had a quietly efficient game but came into his own as Peterborough sparked into left last one with some important challenges around the edge of the Town box.

Marcus Harness - 8

Gave poor George Nevett absolute nightmares with his closing down and work with the ball, winning possession and getting the better of the young centre-back multiple times. Great delivery on the corner for Balker’s goal. Should have done better to cut out the initial delivery that was flicked on for Peterborough’s equaliser, but made up for it quickly by setting up Cameron Humphreys’ late winner.

David Kasumu - 7

A surprise selection for the other number 10 role alongside Harness, presumably for what he could offer in the press — which proved to be a shrewd tactical move as that’s exactly what he brought.

Dion Charles - 7

Exactly what you’d expect from him in a game where the opposition had the majority of the ball: scrappy, hard-working, unselfish. Claimed an assist for Sorensen’s strike.

Substitutes

Lynden Gooch (for Sorensen 63) - Was caught out of position virtually immediately on the way to Peterborough’s goal and continued to look out of sorts afterwards. 4

Josh Feeney (for Low 67) - Once again called into action from the bench. 7

Cameron Humphreys (for Charles 77) - Great finish for the late winner. 8

Mickel Miller (for Kasumu 77) - New energy in attack. 6

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Cameron Ashia, Will Alves.

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Lee Nicholls - 8

Commanded his box bravely and well. Saved Luton’s most dangerous effort to deny Jordan Clark.

Radinio Balker - 9

Saw one set-piece header roll out off the top of the bar and put another over the bar when he should at least have hit the target with it. But sensational again with his defending to ensure Town saw out another clean sheet.

Joe Low - 8

A rock in the middle of defence. Would have liked Balker to let that his second header run through to him in a better position.

Murray Wallace - 8

Consistently superb at cleverly getting himself between his man and the ball to stop them getting in behind.

Lynden Gooch - 8

Got Town up the pitch well, especially with ten men. Provided some promising set piece deliveries that weren’t converted. Blocked the ball on the line in a penalty box scramble.

Ryan Ledson - 9

Oh my word. Was having a good, combative game in any case and had played some decent balls into the box first half, but what a sensational strike from just inside his own half to give Town the lead against all odds. Brilliant sitting just in front of the Town defence as Luton threatened.

Cameron Humphreys - 8

In for the suspended Marcus McGuane. A massive asset with his defensive work, particularly when making recovery tackles, which he did in all areas of the pitch, including helping to force the loose ball from which Ledson scored. Had given everything by the time he was subbed off.

Bali Mumba - 8

Looked a little leggy late at times on as Town were forced to continually defend, but stood up to it well enough and used his fleet feet to help them get out of tight spaces. Made a brilliant tackle inside his own box to stop his man from getting in off a long ball.

Marcus Harness - 6

Often the first man in the press as Town went 3-4-3 off the ball in the Luton half. Sacrificed at half time to switch to a midfield three in a similar response to Saturday’s red card.

Bojan Radulovic - 6

Carried on his long run of form in the early going with some useful flick-ons and good runs, including one that Mads Andersen only just cut out to stop him getting clean through on goal. Sadly forced off with what looked to be a hamstring injury without making it to the half-hour mark.

Alfie May - 4

Started the game well on and off the ball and was continuing his positive partnership with Radulovic before he was dismissed for a hair-pull on Kasey Palmer 29 minutes in. Not sure whether there was any actual intent there as it looked like he was going for his collar, but did get a handful of hair, and it didn’t look too clever from some angles, especially the referee’s. Can expect an extended ban for his second straight red card of the season.

Substitutes

Dion Charles (for Radulovic 30) - Forced to lead the line on his own thanks to May’s dismissal. Made a nuisance of himself to cleverly buy multiple free kicks and corners, and played some decent link-up play in difficult circumstances. 8

David Kasumu (for Harness 46) - Played in a midfield trio in the second-half 5-3-1. Vital with his ball-carrying and helped produce a couple of openings despite Towns personnel disadvantage. 8

Lasse Sorensen (for Humphreys 69) - Again appeared as a makeshift central midfielder. Ran and ran to give Town something at both ends of the pitch. Did well to earn Town throw-ins and corners to allow them to kill some time. 8

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Josh Feeney, Mickel Miller, Will Alves.

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Lee Nicholls - 7

Marshalled the box well and claimed the crosses that came his way, with the only one he spilled in injury time due to a foul by Tommy Leigh that wasn’t given and left him hurt. Barely had a save to make beyond hopeful efforts that went straight at him. Picked up a yellow card for timewasting having been warned about it earlier.

Radinio Balker - 9

Kept his focus and won a number of important challenges around his own box. Fantastic work in particular to block off Louie Sibley just as he looked like getting clean in on Nicholls.

Joe Low - 8

Went about his business reassuringly calmly at the back. Put a header narrowly wide off a corner just before the hour. More than did his part to keep the clean sheet despite the personnel disadvantage late on.

Murray Wallace - 8

Had mostly routine work to do as Bradford laboured through the first half but was tested a bit more after the break and even more so after Marcus McGuane’s red card, but did his job well each time.

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Lynden Gooch - 7

Put a great chance into the side netting on the rebound from a saved May chance — two men on the line but had to at least hit the target.

Ryan Ledson - 8

Had his best outing for some time, winning his battles well and looking to be adventurous with the ball. Had a couple of justifiable cracks on goal from the edge of the box first half, one of which had to be deflected out for a corner. Shifted to sitting just in front of the defence in a midfield three after Town were reduced to ten men and was necessarily and usefully combative in the role.

Marcus McGuane - 5

Made his first league start for the club under his former Oxford and Bristol City gaffer. Booked early on for retaliating to Aden Baldwin’s shove towards the hoardings with a push of his own. Had a good game and ran the midfield, but we were just thinking he was looking tired after a tame shot on goal when he flew into a late tackle and received his second booking for a red card.

Bali Mumba - 7

Took an awful first touch in a great shooting position in the opening minutes to squander a good attacking move. Quickly found his feet after that and showed his intelligence in the build-up to an early Alfie May chance and by spotting the striker to take a quick throw on the way to Town’s goal.

Marcus Harness - 8

Started in the number 10 role. Showed real class on the ball at times, twice putting good balls in behind the Bradford defence for Bojan Radulovic in the opening 20 minutes. Alert enough to put home a rebound off a save to put Town 1-0 up. Superb at keeping the ball alive under heavy pressure.

Alfie May - 8

Exactly the right aggressive spirit for an occasion like this and Liam Manning’s high press. Should have done better after getting played clean through on the keeper on 11 minutes, but took too long and saw his shot saved. Great run to the byline to receive Mumba’s throw and put a cross right on Radulovic’s head en route to Harness’ goal. Couldn’t get the ball out from under his own feet when Harness play him into the box soon after the break. Brilliant with his defensive work both in the press and tracking back. Sacrificed following the red card just after putting another decent chance straight at the keeper. All round superb game but should have had at least one goal.

Bojan Radulovic - 8

Pivotal figure in Town’s excellent start to the game. Had an early effort chalked off for a marginal offside after racing in behind the Bradford defence. Had a header brilliantly saved by the wrong-footed goalkeeper before Harness converted the rebound to give Town a deserved lead.

Substitutes

Cameron Humphreys (for May 68) - Played to Ledson’s left in a midfield trio as Liam Manning went 5-3-1 after the red card. Professional job getting end to end in pursuit of the ball and gave Town a bit of an outlet on the counter. 7

Dion Charles (for Radulovic 74) - Sent on to keep the intensity in the press as the lone striker. 6

Lasse Sorensen (for Harness 74) - Took over the central midfield role he started his career in. 7

Josh Feeney (for Wallace 86) - Fresh defensive legs for the final minutes after Wallace took a bit of a knock. 7

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Will Alves, Mickel Miller.

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Lee Nicholls - 5

Soundly beaten by all the Burton goals after being let down by his defence. Won a somewhat soft foul just before the hosts put it in the net for a third time and had it disallowed as a result.

Radinio Balker - 4

Up and down on and off the ball. Covered for Gooch well on a few occasions in the first half, but would follow up each good action with something poor. Too casual about getting back to try and cut out the cross for Burton’s third goal.

Joe Low - 4

Reverted to his slightly nervous-making form on the ball and almost got caught out on a couple of poor touches around his own box before the break, but quickly made up for them each time. Taken off in a tactical switch midway through the second half.

Murray Wallace - 3

Was left with two men to cover from a crossed free kick as Burton went ahead after just four minutes. Unable to get his shot away quickly enough from a corner on the stroke of half time. Failed to close down Jake Beesley as he strolled into space and picked his spot from 25 yards for Burton’s second. Too easily beaten by a ball in behind only for Julian Larsson to put his finish wide — a bit let-off for Town. A little unfortunate that the loose ball fell Burton’s way as he cut out a cross only for them to smash the loose ball home for 3-1. Rightly booked for a cynical foul in injury time.

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Lynden Gooch - 6

Got caught out positionally a couple of times in the early going but recovered well. Excellent run and cross for Alfie May to make it 1-1 — his sixth assist of the season. The rest of his deliveries were a mixed bag. Booked for dissent just before the break after giving the linesman an earful over a goal kick decision. Moved over to left-back as Lee Grant switched to 4-2-3-1 for the final 25 minutes.

Ryan Ledson - 4

Was drawn away from goalscorer Terence Vancooten by a second runner on the free kick into the box that produced the opener for Burton. Put a looping header onto the top of the crossbar from a Town corner later in the half. Poor with his balls into the box.

Cameron Humphreys - 4

Gave away the free kick from which Burton scored in the opening minutes, but went on to make several good recovery tackles. Forward passes not the best — he overhit a couple straight to the keeper a couple of times in the first half. Gave the ball away with a poor pass on the way to Burton’s second goal and was wandering in no man’s land instead of looking to pick up JJ McKiernan’s run into the box for Burton’s third.

Bali Mumba - 4

Made his debut at left wing-back. Poor with his touch and passing in the first 20 minutes as he got used to playing with his new teammates. Settled in a bit more after that but never looked a serious threat and was taken off on 65 minutes.

Will Alves - 5

Played Bojan Radulovic in for a chance on the break in the first two minutes. Found it difficult to find space as Burton paid him particularly close attention, but was able to use his skill to good effect when Town were able to find him. Excellent work rate off the ball and had nothing left to give by the time he went off on 80 minutes.

Alfie May - 7

Played at centre-forward in the front two. Got into a great unmarked position inside the box to receive Gooch’s cross and score an equaliser he could scarcely miss. Took a hefty kick to the ankle on a high challenge from Vancooten that saw the Burton man booked — arguably should have been a red. Put in a great cross for Radulovic early in the second half that the keeper did well to tip away before he could head it home.

Bojan Radulovic - 6

Had a chance in the first two minutes but was thwarted by the onrushing keeper. Injured his thumb in an awkward landing early on but stayed on the pitch. Superb again with his link-up play and played a crucial role in May’s equaliser, sending Gooch clear up the right wing to provide the cross. Took too heavy a touch after being put one-on-one with the keeper by May in the opening seconds of the second half. Had a header at the back post turned smartly over the bar with Town 2-1 down.

Substitutes

Mickel Miller (for Mumba 65) - Went on as a left winger in Town’s change of shape. Had no material impact on the game. 5

Lasse Sorensen (for Low 65) - Good cross for the Radulovic header that was tipped over the bar. Failed to block the cross for Burton’s third goal. 4

Marcus Harness (for Ledson 65) - Took over the central midfield role. Gave the ball away and then didn’t win a clean tackle in the build-up to Burton’s third goal and didn’t offer much as Town desperately needed to get back into the game. 4

Dion Charles (for Alves 80) - Went on at centre-forward as May took over at number 10. Took an awful touch from a promising Sorensen ball and mistimed his leap on an inviting Gooch cross. 3

Unused substitutes: Jak Alnwick, Josh Feeney, Cameron Ashia.

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