Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 3-2 win over Cardiff City.

Christian Walton 6

While it was an excellent finish from Will Vaulks, the Rovers ‘keeper did hesitate in coming off his line slightly, which enabled the chip to be on. Did make two good saves from long-range Josh Murphy strikes, and looked secure under the high ball.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Had a golden chance to open his Rovers account, only to miscue his effort when sliding in at the far post to meet Armstrong’s cross. Cardiff got little joy down the flanks, apart from one overlapping Bennett run which created Glatzel’s goal.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Was caught further back than his defensive partners in the lead-up to the Cardiff City opener. But marshalled the backline well thereafter. Rovers were always going to need to win plenty of headers, and the Irishman did just that, winning 12 in all, including one that hit the post before Graham’s goal.

Tosin Adarabioyo 7

Like his central defensive partner, won some important clearing headers in his own box, and saw plenty of the ball as Cardiff sat off for long spells.

Joe Rankin-Costello 8

A welcome return to fitness after three matches out with a hamstring injury, and Rovers will hope that it was just tiredness which forced him off in the second half. Gave them more of an outlet down that side than we’ve seen in recent weeks.

Lewis Travis 8

A spin and through ball in the second half showed just how much Travis has added to his game this season. Is becoming a real leader in this side as he operated with a snarl on his face throughout. Kept going to the very end, testament to his fitness.

Bradley Johnson 8

A very good second half, particularly off the ball, helping Rovers to press up the park. His physicality in both boxes was welcomed, particularly as Cardiff hurled in long throws at every opportunity. Won more tackles than anyone on the pitch.

Stewart Downing 7

His corner created the first goal, one of several decent deliveries from dead ball situations. Was able to control the game with his passing, with Cardiff surprising sitting off him for much of the game. Looks made for the three-man midfield.  

Dominic Samuel 7

Didn’t make the most of a couple of openings in the first half, but had a lively start to the second half which saw him denied what looked a stonewall penalty, seconds before hooking in the second equaliser. A confidence boosting goal after his misses against Barnsley.

Danny Graham 7

More involved in the link-up play than we’ve seen at times, dropping deep to collect the ball and spray it wide, rather than being involved in a jostling match with two centre halves. Was in the right place to tap home the first equaliser in what was just a second start of the calendar year.

Adam Armstrong 8

An outrageous winning goal, that few players on the pitch could have pulled off. Takes him to 15 for the season, while also having a hand in Samuel’s equaliser. Managed four shots, and looks Rovers’ most potent attacker. A quieter than normal second half but exploded in to action in the second.

Subs

Elliott Bennett (for Rankin-Costello, 69) 6

Played through the pain barrier to come on for Rankin-Costello in the second half.

Joe Rothwell (for Graham, 76) 6

Started up front, before moving out wide. Would have been clean through on goal were it not for a Morrison handball.

Sam Gallagher (for Samuel, 87) 6

Lewis Holtby (for Armstrong, 87) 6

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Hayden Carter, Charlie Mulgrew, Jacob Davenport, John Buckley