ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 1-0 win over Aston Villa at Ewood Park.

Man of the match: Derrick Williams 8

Was deservedly named Rovers player of the season prior to kick-off after a string of consistent displays this season.

And he carried that form in to this one where he was a threat down the left in the first half, and dogged in his defensive work in the second.

Went close with a right foot effort, and also saw a cross set up a great chance for Ryan Nyambe shortly before the break.

Made several important clearances in the second as Villa tried to press for an equaliser.

David Raya 7

It is now just one goal conceded in four games for the Spaniard who made two smart stops at the end of the first half to deny Kodjia and Lansbury.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Uncompromising defending when it was needed as Rovers claimed another clean sheet.  Went close with a first half effort. 

Elliott Ward 7

Composed again in the centre of a back three and made two good blocks in the second half as Villa pressed.   Could have done more with a first half chance.

Charlie Mulgrew 8

Made excellent use of his left foot with a string of terrific cross-field balls in the first-half, while his set pieces were of an excellent quality.  Faultless in his defensive work.

Ryan Nyambe 7

All action performance down the right.  Should have done more with a first half chance which was saved, but regularly found himself in the box.

Jason Lowe 6

Fired a wayward effort over in the first half, but came up with an excellent cross which Danny Graham swept home for the winner.

Danny Guthrie 6

Saw much more of the ball in the first half than he did the second, but helped Rovers maintain a control of the middle of the park.

Elliott Bennett 7

Operated from a central role and put in a real shift, using his energy to help Rovers pres high up the pitch.  His delivery from set plays was something of a disappointment, however.

Danny Graham 7

Was disappointed to have fluffed his line when Rovers’ best chance of the first half came his way.  But made no mistake with his excellent second half strike.

Sam Gallagher 7

Rovers utilised his aerial presence, and power, as he tormented Villa full-back Neil Taylor in the first half.  Plenty of unselfish running when he moved to a more central role.

Subs

Craig Conway (for Danny Graham, 75) 6

Hope Akpan (for Jason Lowe, 87) 5

Lucas Joao (for Sam Gallagher, 90) 5

Not used: Jason Steele, Tommie Hoban, Marvin Emnes, Connor Mahoney

Opposition line up

Aston Villa: Sam Johnstone, Nathan Baker, Neil Taylor, Henri Lansbury (Gabby Agbonlahor, 64) Leandro Bacuna, Scott Hogan, James Chester, Connor Hourihane (Albert Adomah, 72) Alan Hutton, Gary Gardner, Jonathan Kodjia (Jack Grealish, 72)

Subs not used: Mark Bunn, Tommy Elphick, James Bree, Jordan Amavi