Rovers player ratings from the 1-0 defeat at Reading.

Thomas Kaminski 6

Made one excellent save to deny Puscas early on, the striker then coming close to catching the Belgian off his line from all of 50 yards out. Puscas did find a way beyond Kaminski with a comfortable side-foot finish as Rovers were caught wide open. A handball outside the box was his only real involvement in the game in the second half.

Ryan Nyambe 6

Had a decent chance to score when Brereton’s shot was palmed away only as far as him. Came up against a very strong full back in Omar Richards, who made it hard for the Namibian to burst beyond players as has become his trademark.

Darragh Lenihan 6

Rovers do look more secure with him in the side, and he saw off the threat of Joao well, his main battle coming against the lively Puscas. Offered himself as an option for Elliott to pass to, which meant once the ball was lost, he was out of position for the Reading goal.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis 6

Got the nod over Branthwaite to partner Lenihan. There is a competitiveness to his play, but also a rawness that means he doesn’t always pick the right option of when to attack the ball and when to sit off.

Amari’i Bell 5

Got into so many promising positions down the left, but whether it be a poor pass, a low cross cut out, or not running at his man and turning back, he didn’t make the most of the space he found himself in.  

Tom Trybull 5

Started off well, but faded as the game went on, a frustration being that he often took three or four touches when one or two was needed. Was beaten to the tackle a little too easy, not least when Semedo broke through for a first half shot.

Corry Evans 5

An outside role in the midfield three doesn’t really suit his skill set, a lack of attacking instinct saw promising positions fall down. Did win five tackles, but booked for a second half foul on Ejaria.

Joe Rothwell 5

Played a little bit in fits and starts. He looked the most likely of the midfield three to create anything, but equally, didn’t do enough to truly threaten the Reading goal. Had one shot blocked in the first half before being replaced in the second.

Harvey Elliott 5

His error led to the Reading goal, backed up his by his marker and heading back towards his own goal when losing the ball. A backheel which ran out of play in the second half somewhat summed up what was a difficult night for the teenager.

Ben Brereton 7

Led the fight for Rovers in an attacking sense, and while many of his runs with the ball took him across the pitch, that created three shooting opportunities, registering both of Rovers’ shots on target.

Adam Armstrong 5

Didn’t look himself, particularly second half, explained by the fact he was suffering with sore hamstrings. Pulled one effort wide from the edge of the box before going close to a late equaliser when hooking a shot wide from a Douglas cross.

Subs

Stewart Downing (for Evans, 64) 5

Ballooned a free kick over the bar after his arrival. Did get on the ball as his manager would have wanted, but without success.

Bradley Dack (for Rothwell, 64) 5

Seemed to be caught between playing as part of a midfield three or a No.10. Did get on the end of some balls into the box, but couldn’t take them in his stride to force a shot on goal.

Tyrhys Dolan (for Elliott, 69) 6

Got free on a couple of occasions down the right with some neat footwork, but couldn’t pick out a Rovers player with his cross. Had a shot fly over in injury time.

John Buckley (for Trybull, 84) 5

Barry Douglas (for Bell, 84) 5

A late cross from the left saw Armstrong hook an effort just wide of the target.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Jarrad Branthwaite, Elliott Bennett, Lewis Travis