Blackburn Rovers player ratings as midfield struggle

Preston North End's Callum Lang wheels away in celebration after scoring his side's second goal. <i>(Image: CameraSport - Rich Linley)</i>
Preston North End's Callum Lang wheels away in celebration after scoring his side's second goal. (Image: CameraSport - Rich Linley)
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Here's how The Lancashire Telegraph scored the players' performances, with a six representing par for the course.

AYNSLEY PEARS - 6

Could've done better with the second goal. Lang heads from such close range that you have to question the GK. Made a good save at 2-1 which was important to keep the score tight.

RYAN ALEBIOSU - 7

Created the own goal with a great driving run down the right. Looked dangerous whenever he got down the flank.

KRISTI MONTGOMERY - 7

Adapted well at centre-back before moving into midfield. Neither goal really came from errors by the centre-backs.

SEAN MCLOUGHLIN - 7

Stepped into midfield to try to help with build up. Made a few crucial tackles.

YURI RIBEIRO - 4

Was at fault in some ways for both goal. Fell asleep at the back post for Lang's opener and gave away the free-kick for the second after being easily turned. They were tired mistakes.

ADAM FORSHAW - 5

Struggled in the first half with Preston far more energetic in midfield. Started to get to grips with things in the second but was withdrawn.

SAM MORSY - 4

Found it difficult playing a second game in four days. Looked leggy when the ball turned over, got booked and gave the ball away a few times.

RYOYA MORISHITA - 5

Wasteful with chances in front of goal. One somehow blocked over the bar from close range and another wild effort from the edge of the box.

TODD CANTWELL -5

Continues to rack up the bookings for dissent. Had nice moments and also poor ones in a mixed display.

DAPO AFOLAYAN - 6

Had a decent sight of goal at 1-0 but was crowded out in the box. One nice mazy dribble but otherwise on the periphery of the game.

ANDRI GUDJOHNSEN - 6

No sight of goal for the second game in a row, though stung the palms of Iversen at the near post. Link play was good.

SUBSTITUTES:

HAYDEN CARTER (FORSHAW, 62') - 7

Produced a fantastic block to prevent Devine from making it 3-1.

JAYDEN FEVRIER (AFOLAYAN, 62') - 7

Smashed the crossbar with a phenomenal strike minutes after coming on.

HARVEY HIGGINS (MORSY, 73) - 6

On for Rovers debut as they chased an equaliser. No real sniffs.

UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: GODDARD, HOUGHTON, DECANDIA, PATES, GARRETT, VARE.

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