Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 3-1 win over Bristol City. 

Christian Walton 6

Will have been disappointed, having got two good hands to it, not to keep out Paterson’s header. Largely untroubled thereafter.

Elliott Bennett 8

Went close to opening the scoring with a thumping right-foot drive. Defended solidly down his flank and delivered some good balls in from the right.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Was pulled out of the centre for the City goal. An unnecessary booking, and a couple of slips, but largely defended well. Had a good chance with a first half header.

Tosin Adarabioyo 8

Didn’t put a foot wrong. Eight clearances and two interceptions, as well as fine strike on the hour to give Rovers the lead.

Joe Rankin-Costello 7

Came up against a lively customer in Eliasson and was caught out by the run of Paterson for the goal. Denied a goal by an incorrect refereeing decision before being forced off injured.

Lewis Travis 8

Fitness levels and desire to win certainly haven’t been affected by the lockdown. Thundered in to tackles and led Rovers’ fight in the middle of the park.  

Corry Evans 9 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Slotted seamleslly back in to the side despite not playing since January. His return a big boost. Helped Rankin-Costello by covering spaces on the left from where he scored his goal, an intended for Gallagher. Excellent block to deny Diedhiou in the second half.

Lewis Holtby 7

A few deft touches in the first half showed his class, but drifted out of the game in the middle of the first half. A welcome boost to have his quality back on the pitch, but needed to see more of it.

Stewart Downing 7

Played a quarter-back role, flanked by Downing and Travis, and looked in control. Moved to left back late on.

Ben Brereton 8

Was full of running from the first minute, playing from the left and had he not slipped at the vital moment, would have had his first goal of the season. Looked physically strong.

Sam Gallagher 7

Looked to get on the end of things at the back post, including Evans’ cross which turned out to the be the equaliser. Full of running as ever, and had the beating of the defensive line.

Subs

Danny Graham (for Brereton, 66) 6

Adam Armstrong (for Holtby, 66) 7

Dominic Samuel (for Gallagher, 66) 6

Bradley Johnson (for Rankin-Costello, 77) 6

Jacob Davenport (for Evans, 89) 6

 

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Hayden Carter, Charlie Mulgrew, Joe Rothwell

Bristol City: Bentley, Baker, Smith, Diedhiou (Afobe, 72), O'Dowda, Eliasson (Palmer, 72), Paterson, Kalas, Rowe (Da Silva, 72), Pereira (Hunt, 46), Massengo (Wells, 46)

Subs: Maenpaa, Vyner, Williams, Benkovic