Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 1-1 draw with Preston. 

Christian Walton 6

One save in the first half from Maguire, and nothing he could do to keep out a thumping Harrop drive.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Had some joy down the right in the first half, but needed to produce more with his final ball. No sooner is he back fit than he suffers another injury.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Had the beating of Maguire, and although given more problems when Stockley came on, helped Rovers handle him better than they did at Deepdale.

Tosin Adarabioyo 6

An unconvincing start on the ball but looked better when playing the percentages. Went close to

Amari’i Bell 6

Blocked four shots, including a timely one from Gallagher late on. Carried the ball forward to good effect in the first half. Didn’t allow Barkhuizen to have an effect in the final third.

Corry Evans 6

Bravely won the ball in midfield, only to take a knock to the head that would end his afternoon on five minutes.

Lewis Travis 7

Thundered in to a tackle that saw him booked in the second half where he flashed one shot wide, and another straight at Rudd.

Stewart Downing 8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Was the one player on the pitch to make the right decision more often than not on the ball, completing 88 per cent of his passes. Had a hand in Armstrong’s opener and delivered some good balls in from set plays.

Lewis Holtby 6

Couldn’t get into the game in the early stages, but ended the first half well, drawing a fine save from Rudd and flashing another just wide. Will hope for an extended run in the No.10 role.

Adam Armstrong 7

Slotted in his eighth of the season in the third minute. Flashed another just wide at 1-0, and ran in behind to good effect in the first half, but couldn’t replicate that after the break.

Sam Gallagher 5

Too honest for his own good, working hard on the right, but lost the ball on six separate occasions. Unable to get in to any goalscoring opportunities playing from the right. Won eight headers, but none in the box.

Subs

Bradley Johnson (for Evans, 12) 6

Thrust in to the action earlier than expected, and Evans’ departure threatened to derail Rovers early on, when he came more in to the game, so did Rovers.

Elliott Bennett (for Nyambe, 51) 6

Can’t have been 100 per cent fit, after limping out against Birmingham, but did his bit for the team when called upon.

Danny Graham (for Holtby, 69) 5

Locked in a physical battle with Bauer after coming on. Fresh air shot from a Lenihan cross, before good defending from Clarke denied him a free header late on.

Unused subs: Jayson Leutwiler, Derrick Williams, Harry Chapman, Joe Rothwell