Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 3-2 defeat at West Brom.

Christian Walton 5

Several moments of indecision about when to come off his line. Almost beaten by a Phillips chip before Livermore made it 2-1. Fortunate to get away with one dropped catch in the second half.

Elliott Bennett 6

One excellent block to deny Austin in the second half. Got forward to good effect in the second half though couldn’t find the target with his delivery. Contained the threat of Diangana well.

Darragh Lenihan 5

Culpable for the third goal, his clearance closed down by Diangana who raced clear to score, an error which looked to knock his confidence. His header was fumbled by Johnstone for Rovers’ second goal.

Derrick Williams 6

A few moments of indecision on the ball, and poor clearances, but generally dealt with the threat of Austin well.

Greg Cunningham 5

Should have done much better with the first West Brom goal having looked in control of the situation. Had a header save by Johnstone late on.

Lewis Travis 7 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Won an incredible 10 tackles, seven more than anyone on the pitch. Engaged more in the second period and that allowed Rovers to play on the front foot. Patrolled the middle of the pitch virtually on his own after the break.

Bradley Johnson 6

Bundled the ball over the line to get Rovers back in to the game but didn’t emerge after the break having failed to get control of the midfield.

Adam Armstrong 5

Spent much of the first half operating as a left wing back, and should have done better in the lead up to the second West Brom goal. Didn’t get too many opportunities in attack, one excellent break ended by a crude Ferguson challenge apart.

Bradley Dack 6

Curled home a first league goal of the season inside 30 seconds. Moved to a false No.9 role in the second half and toiled away and would have had a second had he not been adjudged to have fouled Johnstone.

Stewart Downing 6

Went close to an equaliser from a well-worked free kick. Struggled for influence in the first half but much more involved after the break, as no-one on the pitch completed more passes.

Sam Gallagher 5

Touched the ball just 10 times and completed only two passes in a first-half in which he was anonymous leading the line, an illustration of Rovers’ failure to keep hold of the ball.

Subs

Joe Rothwell (for Gallagher, 46) 6

Couldn't unlock the door and create any openings, with much of his best work coming in the middle of the pitch. His introduction did help Rovers enjoy more control though. 

John Buckley (for Johnson, 46) 6

Showed several nice touches, and has excellent balance in possession. Looked lightweight at times though which made him unable to take full advantage of some of his good work.

Danny Graham (for Armstrong, 78) 5

Rovers couldn't get him in to any goalscoring opportunities after coming on. Poor clearance almost gifted Bartley a goal late on. 

Subs not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Ryan Nyambe, Corry Evans, Joe Rankin-Costello