ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 2-2 draw with Preston at Ewood Park.

Man of the match: Lucas Joao 7

Was given the opportunity to start by Tony Mowbray after his goalscoring appearances off the bench in recent weeks.

Was the standout man of the first half and proved to be a real handful for the Preston central defensive pair.

Linked up well with Emnes, and went close to adding to his recent goal tally with first-half headers, one which hit the inside of the post, and another which drew a save from Maxwell.

A few too many flicks and tricks though saw him waste a number of good counter-attacking opportunities.

Jason Steele 5

Had very few saves to make, a second half save from Paul Gallagher apart.  Little he could do with either of the two Preston goals.

Ryan Nyambe 6

Went close to scoring his first goal in Rovers colours as he flashed an effort wide.  Few poor touches in the first half but improved as he went on.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Involved in physical tussles throughout, first with Hugill and then Makienok and marshalled both well, winning a number of key headers.

Charlie Mulgrew 6

A few hairy moments in the first half, but did make some good interceptions thereafter, including one from underneath his crossbar.

Derrick Williams 6

Some good clearances at the back post.  Picked his moments to get forward and almost claimed an assist as Joao hit the inside post with a header.

Elliott Bennett 7

Tireless work down the right and scored an excellent equaliser with his 25-yard effort.  Put in a good cross for Joao’s header in the first half which was saved.

Jason Lowe 7

Harried and hassled well and made several valuable interceptions in the middle of the pitch.  Blazed a first-half effort over the bar.

Danny Guthrie 6

Struggled to get hold of the ball in the opening 15 minutes, but moved the ball well after that.  Lasted the 90 minutes well.

Craig Conway 6

Gave Rovers the lead with a well taken finish as he ran on to Emnes’ through ball.  Saw efforts at goal, and crosses in to the box, go unrewarded in the first-half.

Marvin Emnes 6

Can frustrate and excite in equal measure but came up with a lovely through ball to claim an assist for Conway’s goal.  Had a first half effort chalked off for offside.

Subs

Connor Mahoney (for Bennett, 76) 5

Booked shortly after coming on, and had little chance to impact the game coming on.

Liam Feeney (for Conway, 79) 6

Provided fresh legs on the left, but most of his work came in a defensive capacity as he struggled to get on the ball.

Sam Gallagher (for Emnes, 79) 5

Will rue his decision not to keep the ball in the corner in injury-time.

Not used: David Raya, Wes Brown, Tommie Hoban, Hope Akpan