Rovers player ratings from the 3-2 defeat to Watford.

Thomas Kaminski 6

Always looked second favourite to the ball for Joao Pedro’s opener, with the ball never likely to run through to the ‘keeper. He made a good stop to deny Pedro before Sarr tapped home the second. Denied Sema at his near post before the winger beat him at the far post moments later. Looked good under the high ball, but too frenetic with his distribution.

Ryan Nyambe 6

One fine run in the first half set up a chance for Armstrong, but much of his work came in the defensive third. Won two headers, and three tackles, and his battle with his Sema was a good one. Caught infield at times, but was the most solid of the Rovers defenders.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis 5

Three tackles and the same number of clearances, and does play with a real determination, even if there is some inexperience to his play. Won’t fall down on character, but his inexperience told at times as part of a youthful central defensive pairing.

Jarrad Branthwaite 4

Had a night to forget, at fault for the opener by appealing for offside while being the player that played Pedro onside. That appeared to knock his confidence, an area of his game that he will look to improve on, as look clumsy in possession as a nervousness crept into his game.

Barry Douglas 5

Had the unenviable task of trying to stop chief tormenter Sarr, and while he couldn’t match his fleet of foot, he gave as good as he got. His delivery from the wide area brought mixed success.

Lewis Travis 5

Looks a player who is running on empty after being back into the team ever since his injury, not that Rovers are blessed with many others options. Dispossessed four times, with Cleverley pressing him relentlessly, and the midfielder struggled to find an answer.

Corry Evans 6

A first start since November, and seemed a good option to try and add some legs and experience to the midfield. Started off well, but may have served Rovers better to move him into the central position earlier.

Joe Rothwell 6

Started in his favoured central role, and one early break showed real promise, until fizzling out at the edge of the area. Was his pressing that helped create the opening goal and had other good moments before overstretching when attempting a tackle left him limping, and then replaced.

Harvey Elliott 6

Took his goal very well, power of his strike beating Bachmann as it crashed into the roof of the net. Showed other good moments of close control, without real reward, but does look better when starting from the right after a spell playing deeper, and more central.

Bradley Dack 5

Started on the left, the first he has done that since September 2017 and not a role that particularly suited him. Still appears to be chasing his fitness, but still looks to put himself about for the cause. Finding a spot for him, as well as Elliott and Rothwell, in the same team is a conundrum Rovers are yet to strike.

Adam Armstrong 6

Whether because Rovers are looking to go more direct in behind to use his pace, but his movement has looked really good in recent matches. Had his customary five shots, the closest he came to scoring a left foot shot that Bachmann pushed wide. Captained the side on his 150th appearance and one was visibly looking to push Rovers on.

Subs

Stewart Downing (for Travis, 56) 6

Started wide on the left, a throwback to his days as a flying winger, before moving inside. It was his corner that set up Rovers’ second goal for Brereton.

Ben Brereton (for Rothwell, 69) 6

Tucked home his fourth goal of the season when sliding in to turn in Downing’s corner. Was full of running and bounced off Sarr in a break down the left, and he looks Rovers’ best option in that position after a spell out of the side.

Tyrhys Dolan (for Dack, 69) 5

Looked to link up with Nyambe and Elliott down the right but with little reward.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Amari’i Bell, Dan Pike, Elliott Bennett, John Buckley, Connor McBride