Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the opening day defeat at Southend United.

Man of the match: David Raya 7

The new Rovers number one made a number of good saves, particularly in the second half to help keep Rovers in the game.

Could do little about the first goal, and was unfortunate with the second, as Kightly swept home after he denied Fortune with his feet.

The best save of the lot was a fingertip stop to deny Fortune’s header from inside the six yard box.

Ryan Nyambe 5

Targeted by Southend early on, and tested throughout by the lively Kightly.  Booked for in the second half for a late challenge on the winger.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Involved in a physical battle throughout with Fortune.  Ended the game up front, and limping, after picking up a knock.

Charlie Mulgrew 6

Hauled Rovers back in to the game with a stunning 30-yard free-kick.  Was part of a Rovers backline which looked decidedly shaky, particularly first half.

Derrick Williams 5

Caught under the ball several times, with McGlashan finding space at the back post on a number of occasions.  Struggled to affect the game going forward.  Pick up a deserved booking.

Richie Smallwood 6

Tried his best to help wrestle the ascendancy back for Rovers, as they were dominated in the middle of the park.  Sacrificed in the second half.

Peter Whittingham 5

Couldn’t help Rovers get a foothold in the game, and many of his passes were sidewards or backlwards.  Set plays were surprisingly wasteful.

Elliott Bennett 5

Had Rovers’ sole effort on target in the first half, and may feel disappointed not to have tested Oxley more.  Worked hard without reward.

Bradley Dack 5

Missed Rovers’ best chance in the first half, heading over a Mulgrew cross.  Struggled to get on the ball before injury forced him off in the second half.

Danny Graham 5

Was fighting something of a lone battle against the strong Southend defence.  Showed a few glimpses of his hold-up play, but didn’t get a sight of goal.

Dominic Samuel 5

Frustrating afternoon operating in an unfamiliar wide role.  Kept coming in off the flanks, looking for the ball, but that only restricted Rovers’ width.

Subs

Liam Feeney (for Dack, 60) 5 

A few promising attacks came to nothing, including a left foot shot which went well wide.

Corry Evans (for Smallwood, 69) 5

Wasn't able to get on the ball and dictate the play after coming on as Mowbray would have hoped.

Harry Chapman (for Bennett, 73) 5

Showed glimpses of what he can offer with some neat footwork, but opportunities were limited.

Subs not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Paul Caddis, Elliott Ward, Willem Tomlinson

Southend: Oxley, Demetriou, White, Ferdinand, Hendrie, McGlashan (McLaughlin, 88) Leonard, Timlin, Kightly, Cox (Robinson, 76), Fortune

Subs not used: Smith, Kiernan, Yearwood, Bridge, Kyprainou