ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 1-0 win at Bradford City.

David Raya 7

Arguably one of the easiest clean sheets he will have ever earn.  Dealt with a barrage of balls in to his box, but not troubled by any shots at his goal.

Paul Caddis 7

Put his defensive work ahead of getting forward and supporting the attack.  Used the ball intelligently.

Elliott Ward 7

A few hairy moments, not least late on, but won plenty of headers for his side as Bradford pumped the ball forward in the second half.

Charlie Mulgrew 8

Forced in to some brave defending at times, but more impressive was the way he galvanised his troops as Rovers tried to hold out late on.

Derrick Williams 8

His best performance of the season.  Linked up well in both halves with Conway down the left, and won some key headers at the back post.

Corry Evans 8

Like a new signing for Rovers, completing 90 minutes for the second time in two weeks.  Positionally sound throughout, and went close with a first-half effort.

Richie Smallwood 8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

As competitive and industrious as ever, never far from a ticking off from the referee, but a commanding presence in the middle of the park.  He was one of the few who didn’t need Mowbray’s pep talk on becoming more aggressive and competitive, and he helped Rovers dominate that key middle area of the pitch.  Took a booking for the team in the second half, one of many unselfish pieces of play throughout the game.

Elliott Bennett 7

Was his intelligent run forward which created the only goal of the game.  Worked tirelessly, first on the right and then when moved in to the middle.

Bradley Dack 7

Came in for some rough treatment, but didn’t shirk his workload, was busy in possession. Went close twice in the first half, where he should have won his side a penalty, before being forced off.

Craig Conway 8

Showed what Rovers have been missing in his absence as he put in a real shift down the left, and came up with the perfect cross for Samuel’s winner.

Dominic Samuel 8

Given the responsibility of leading the line for Rovers, and did with great enthusiasm.  His unselfish play was rewarded with his third goal in three games in the second half.

Subs

Ben Gladwin (for Dack, 63) 5

Lost the ball in dangerous areas on a couple of occasions, but did help Rovers wind down the clock late on.

Marcus Antonsson (for Samuel, 79) 6

A willing runner, often chasing lost causes, as Rovers tried to hang on to their win.

Peter Whittingham (for Conway, 79) 6

Brought on to help steady the ship in the closing stages.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Scott Wharton, Harry Chapman, Danny Graham