Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at Birmingham City.

Jayson Leutwiler 4

Would have expected more from his defenders to stop the opener, but the second goal was a big mistake, allowing Bela’s cross to squirm underneath his body.

Elliott Bennett 5

Couple of sloppy moments in possession, one excellent cross-field ball an exception. Twisted and turned by Montero before being forced off injured.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Was one of those guilty for not stepping out to challenge Crowley. Had a relatively comfortable second half as Rovers dominated the ball.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

Could have done more to close down Crowley for the opener. Switched to right back where he had little to do defensively, but wasn’t able to provide much of an attacking outlet.

Amari’i Bell 7

Recovered from a sloppy start, to whip in several good balls in from the left flank to create good chances for both Gallagher and Armstrong. Kept his width well in the second half.  

Bradley Johnson 5

Started slowly, taking a while to get to the pace of the game. Sat infront of the back four that was a little exposed in the first half, but gained some control after the opening half an hour.

Stewart Downing 6

Passed and probed before being replaced. Excellent ball should have seen Gallagher level in the second half.

Joe Rothwell 6

Was given a go in the central area, and used the ball well up until the final third when he couldn’t provide the creative spark often enough. A second half shot was well held by Camp.

Ben Brereton 5

Started on the right wing, and didn’t get any change out of Pedersen. His touch, with his back to goal was poor, and lacked strength in one-on-one situations.

Sam Gallagher 6

Could have had a hat-trick with his missed chances, but his pressing work did win the penalty from which Armstrong scored. At least got himself in to goalscoring positions, but lacked the ruthlessness to take them.

Adam Armstrong 8

Was Rovers’ most attacking threat from minute one. Should have at least hit the target with two second efforts, but twice forced good saves out of Camp. Thumped home his penalty to make it seven for the season, and right now, looks Rovers’ best source for goals.

Subs

Derrick Williams (for Bennett, 39) 6

Went close to grabbing a second goal when his low shot was spilled by Camp.

Harry Chapman (for Brereton, 59) 5

Offered promise, but failed to produce any end product at the end of his driving runs. Spent a little too much time infield when Rovers were crying out for width.

John Buckley (for Downing, 78) 5

Didn’t anticipate the ball quickly enough in the lead up to Birmingham’s winner.

Unused subs: Andrew Fisher, Lewis Travis, Jacob Davenport, Dominic Samuel