Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 1-0 defeat at Oldham Athletic.

David Raya 6

Made one excellent stop to deny Davies in the first half and another from Byrne late on, but little he could do with Menig’s late winner

Paul Caddis 6

Was one of Rovers’ better defenders, making several good interceptions, but caught out of for the winning goal

Elliott Ward 4

Was bullied by the powerful Davies for much of the game, while in possession was often far too ponderous on his return to the side

Charlie Mulgrew 5

Tried in vain to prevent Menig’s late winner. Set pieces were poor throughout and the lively Doyle gave him plenty of problems

Derrick Williams 4

Caught out under the high ball twice early on and his use of the ball was poor, struggling to find a Rovers player when in possession

Richie Smallwood 6 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Was his combative self in the middle of the pitch, putting in several big tackles during the first-half.

Took a booking for the team when scything down Byrne in the second after Whittingham was caught out, and substituted shortly afterwards.

One of the few to emerge with credit from the game.  

Peter Whittingham 4

Saw the game pass him by as he struggled to stem the flow of Oldham attacks, though did hit the bar with a second half strike

Elliott Bennett 5

Should have given Rovers the lead in the first-half, but could only find the side netting after rounding the keeper. Booked in the second period. Did at least try to provide some movement off the ball to create openings

Craig Conway 6

Gave Rovers some drive down the left in the first-half, but tired as the game went on before being replaced

Marcus Antonsson 5

Moved in to a central role, but struggled to hold the ball up as much as was required and lashed a first-half shot wide of the target

Dominic Samuel 5

Forced two saves from the keeper, one in either half, but failed to provide a real presence for Rovers at the head of their attack

Subs

Harry Chapman (for Conway, 57) 5

Was left frustrated after several promising bursts came to nothing and booked for a late tackle on Gardner

Danny Graham (for Antonsson, 57) 5

Looked to be a good option when Mowbray sent him on, but spent too long involved in a physical tussle with the Oldham backline to influence the game

Bradley Dack (for Smallwood, 67) 5

Showed a couple of glimpses, but failed to deliver the required quality with his final ball.  Booked for  a late tackle on Fane.

Subs not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Ryan Nyambe, Rekeem Harper, Ben Gladwin