Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the defeat to Leeds United. 

Christian Walton 4

His poor recent form continues, failing to keep out Klich’s weak shot for Leeds’ third goal, and fortunate not to be sent off when he brought down Bamford. Did make a smart save to keep out a Douglas free-kick.

Ryan Nyambe 6

Leeds changed their left-hand side, partly to try and contain his threat. Plugged away all afternoon, and was one of those out on his feet by the final whistle. A good block to deny Roberts in the first half.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Bamford gave him a tough time on occasions, but his recovery pace was needed to shut out a number of attacks.

Tosin Adarabioyo 5

Looked a little shaky, and not able to get Rovers up the field with his usual precise passing. Did make a couple of good blocks, including one from Harrison.

Elliott Bennett 5

Compounded Rovers’ troubles at left back when forced off midway through the first half.

Lewis Travis 5

‘Rusty’ in the eyes of his manager, but deserves credit for getting himself in a position to play. Lost the ball for Leeds’ opening goal and lacked the usual snap to his play.

Bradley Johnson 5

Thumped an early shot goalwards, saved by Meslier, but forced to get through plenty of work in the middle of the pitch, but looked a yard off the pace at times.

Joe Rothwell 6

Pass of the day to put Gallagher clearly early on, and had the beating of Ayling on occasion with some neat footwork and fired a shot over the bar. Looked better playing wider to the left. The wait for that elusive first goal of the season goes on.

Lewis Holtby 5

Completed fewer than 50 per cent of his passes, and was bypassed for much of the game, his one excellent chance apart which cannoned back off the post. Subbed for the fourth game in a row.

Sam Gallagher 5

A poor first touch, and scuffed shot wide of the target, saw him blow his big moment in front of goal. Did place a nice reverse pass for Holtby’s chance. Toiled away thereafter.

Adam Armstrong 6

Superb free kick hauled Rovers back in to the game, his 14th of the season. Had few opportunities to run at the Leeds defence, and was isolated for long spells as the lone frontman.

Subs

Stewart Downing (for Bennett, 21) 5

Couldn’t get forward, such was Leeds’ threat down that side, with Ayling getting forward to good effect from right back.

Danny Graham (for Gallagher, 59) 5

Battled away, but often found himself trying to hold off both White and Cooper as Rovers tried to go more direct towards him.

Dominic Samuel (for Holtby, 59) 5

Much of his touches were with his back to goal, with no chance to run in behind. A tame shot at Meslier was a rare sight of goal in the final quarter.

John Buckley (for Travis, 69) 5

Flew in to several tackles, in the bid to make an impact, but couldn’t make things happen on the ball.

Jacob Davenport (for Rothwell, 69) 5

Added some fresh legs to the Rovers midfield late on, but couldn’t get on the ball as he would have wanted.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Hayden Carter, Charlie Mulgrew, Harry Chapman