Rovers player ratings from the 1-0 win at Middlesbrough

Thomas Kaminski 8

One terrific save to deny Howson’s header, with Wood’s follow-up coming back off the post. Showed good hands to palm over an Assombalonga free kick in the first half and looked proactive from set plays to help Rovers negate that particular threat.

Ryan Nyambe 7

A tough first half in which he really struggled to find his target with his passes. Better in the second period, not least for the goal in which he started off the move with some really good strength. One area of his game which has improved immeasurably is his heading, winning three aerial challenges.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Back-to-back clean sheets on the road for Rovers, with Lenihan playing a key role in both. Particularly impressive was the way he tried to get Rovers up the pitch when clearances were made, and stood up when Rovers need him to so to ensure there were no late slip-ups.

Jarrad Branthwaite 7

Had a tough start to the game, an incident in which he could have conceded a penalty and been shown a straight red card. Took him until the second half to really recover from that, but stuck to his task well thereafter and played his part in a defensive line that kept Boro out. Didn’t deserve the barrage of abuse he came in for at the final whistle.

Barry Douglas 8

Given a real tough assignment up against Tavernier and the flying Spence outside him but stood up to the task well. Was in the wars several times, and while he did concede some cheap free kicks in the first half, came off having won five headers and the same numbers of tackles. Getting better by the performance and could have had a goal, only to fire over from a tight angle.

Jacob Davenport 7

Fortunate to escape an early booking, unfortunate when he did get booked when Assombalonga went down under his challenge. A quiet efficiency about his work, nothing stylish, but lots to appreciate. The hope will be that it was cramp, rather than an injury, that forced him off late on.

Bradley Johnson 6

Pulled his hamstring when making a break forward having started in a more advanced midfield role than we’ve seen previously.

Lewis Travis 7

The perfect game for him in which his athletic qualities were much needed and in the end helped Rovers to win the midfield battle. Looked more like himself than the disappointment of his display against Stoke City. However, should have played in Rothwell when driving forward from midfield early in the second half as a good opportunity went begging.

Harvey Elliott 6

Wasn’t in the game but one moment helped carve Boro opening, putting a goal on a plate for Rothwell. That was his final kick of what was a difficult afternoon in which he lacked care in possession.

Joe Rothwell 6

Doesn’t seem as suited to the more attacking left-sided role, and played too deep for much of the game. Scored with his final touch of the game, a nice side-footed finish to make it three for the season. Rovers do miss his driving runs in the middle of the pitch when he plays on the left though.

Adam Armstrong 6

An isolated figure for much of the opening hour, with just one snap-shot flashing wide. Nice interplay with Elliott for the goal. Could have had two himself thereafter, an attempted chip denied by the onrushing Bettinelli, while should have done better with a finish that went over the bar when found by Gallagher.

Subs

John Buckley (for Johnson, 8) 6

A tough afternoon for the youngster who struggled to have any influence. Rovers needed him to be the one to get the ball down and play, but got lost in what was an attritional affair.

Bradley Dack (for Buckley, 64) 7

Showed his class with some memorable touches, perfect weight of pass for Gallagher to run clear and several other near flicks. The sparkle looked back in his game.

Ben Brereton (for Rothwell, 64) 6

Full of running after his introduction and played through Armstrong for a good chance.

Sam Gallagher (for Elliott, 64) 7

Proved a useful outlet down the right and helped Rovers keep the ball up the pitch in the late stages. Created a good opportunity for Armstrong.

Tom Trybull (for Davenport, 85) 6

Came on to see the job through in the closing stages.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Amari’i Bell, Stewart Downing, Tyrhys Dolan