Rovers player ratings from the 2-1 win over Barnsley.

 

Thomas Kaminski 6

Couldn’t prevent the ball from crossing the line after a deflected Morris shot hit the post. Made a smart save to deny Styles in the first half but was rarely extended. His kicking is an area of his game that still requires work.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Had a left foot shot wide in the first half when he was really on the front foot and pushing high up the pitch. A little more reserved in the second half but let nothing down his side from a defensive point of view.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Continues his impressive run of form and his commanding presence helped Rovers see out a one-goal lead with relative comfort. Won all six of his headers. Fortunate to escape a booking moments before he did get yellow carded.

Jan Paul van Hecke 7

Had a quiet evening in the centre of the defence, but certainly hasn’t done anything to suggest that Ayala should be recalled.

Scott Wharton 7

Keeps up his run of being unbeaten when making a league start but like van Hecke, didn’t have much of note to do.

Harry Pickering 7

Was given a tough test up against Brittain who looked Barnsley’s best player. Linked up well with Rothwell for his first half chance and is a player you never have to be concerned about.

Lewis Travis 7

Off the ball got through plenty of work and was needed to help stem the threat of Styles. In possession he didn’t always pick the right option and several times overhit passes over the top of the Barnsley defence.

Joe Rothwell 8

Denied by the post after a blistering burst moments before showing great composure to stroke home his second of the season. Looked smooth as ever on the ball but did lose four of his five tackles. Was replaced before the end once again.

John Buckley 8

Now has five goal involvements in Rovers’ last six matches after two more assists. Played in Rothwell for the opener and Brereton for the winner, but selflessly tried to square for Brereton when played in himself only to underhit the pass. Harried the Barnsley midfield throughout.

Reda Khadra 6

Thought he had opened the scoring inside 90 seconds, only for play to have already been stopped. Rovers tried to utilise his pace in behind but there were too many wayward passes forward. Had a wild shot from 35 yards moments before being replaced.

Ben Brereton 7

Scored his 20th goal of the season with a fine left foot finish across Collins and in to the far corner. Should have had a second injury time only to lash wide from 12 yards out. Denied by Collins in the first half and would have had a certain tap-in had Buckley’s square pass reached him. Remains Rovers’ biggest goal threat.

 

Subs

Sam Gallagher (for Khadra, 64) 6

Knocked Collins off his feet with a thumping late shot as he looked to put the game beyond Barnsley late on.

Tayo Edun (for Rothwell, 85) 5

Tyrhys Dolan (for Buckey, 85) 5

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Daniel Ayala, Bradley Johnson, Leighton Clarkson