ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 1-0 win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.

Man of the match: Elliott Ward 8

A FIRST start since the opening day – but was a commanding presence in the heart of the Rovers back three.

Marshalled the Rovers backline from the first whistle, and used his experience, and good positional sense, to full effect.

A good shape out of possession meant much of Forest’s play was in front of Rovers and restricted their threat in behind.

Though Ward showed a good fleet of foot to deny namesake Jamie in the first half as he raced in on goal.

David Raya 8

A clean sheet on his first league outing since August 2015. Made one outstanding save from Britt Assombalonga from close range moments after Rovers had taken the lead.  Kicking was impressive throughout.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Used his pace to good effect, particularly in the first half where he did plenty of good covering.  Looked well suited to a role on the right side of a back three.

Tommie Hoban 8

What a time to come up with his first goal for the club.  Back to near his best as he bounced back from a disappointing display against Barnsley.

Derrick Wiliams 7

Tireless work down the left-hand side operating in a wing-back role.  Won the battle down his side against Forest wing-back Eric Lichaj.

Jason Lowe 6

Overhit pass inadvertently put Jamie Ward clean through in the first half but recovered to put in a decent display in the Rovers midfield. 

Hope Akpan 6

Went close to opening the scoring with a first-half header which he glanced just wide.  Few neat touches in the opening 45 minutes, but struggled more after the break.

Elliott Bennett 7

Went close with two first-half efforts.  Played in a deeper role on the right-hand side late in the second half to try and shackle the lively Ben Brereton and stuck to his task well.

Connor Mahoney 8

Came up with a quality delivery for Hoban’s winner.  Curled a first-half free kick inches wide of the post and was a constant threat when running with the ball.  Again Rovers’ best attacking threat.

Liam Feeney 5

Struggled in a central role in which he lost the ball on a number of occasions. Replaced by Anthony Stokes on the hour mark.

Sam Gallagher 6

Saw first-half penalty appeals waved away as he looked to have been tripped inside the box.  Ran the channels well, and worked hard without reward before being replaced.

Subs

Anthony Stokes 5 (for Feeney, 63)

A few positive bursts came to a rather premature end, and failed to properly connect with a volley moments after coming on.

Lucas Joao 6 (for Gallagher, 72)

Held the ball up well with some good close control which helped relieve the pressure on the backline.

Subs not used: Fisher, Brown, Guthrie, Tomlinson, Emnes