Rovers secured all three points against West Brom on the opening day of the new Championship campaign, but which players caught the eye?

AYNSLEY PEARS…6.5

Didn’t have a massive amount to do but made a couple of decent stops during the first half. Was calm on the ball at times despite the visitors’ pressing and couldn’t do much about Phillips’ goal. Will be keen to build on his run in the side during the final stages of last season.

JOE RANKIN-COSTELLO…7

Worked hard and carried out some important defensive work up against the threat of Phillips. Didn’t have as much of an impact going forward as he would have hoped, although he hasn’t played with Markanday on the right flank much.

DOM HYAM…7.5

Picked up where he left off last season, making countless blocks and clearances against a dangerous West Brom attack. A good leader and well equipped to handle additional responsibility as one of the more experiences members of the Rovers squad following Kaminski’s departure.

HAYDEN CARTER…8

Timed his tackles well to stop a number of promising attacks as the Baggies tried to break with pace. Continues to look comfortable alongside Hyam in the backline and their partnership could be key over the coming season.

HARRY PICKERING…6.5

Was tidy in possession and played a number of passes into the final third. Struggled to deal with the Baggies’ threat down the right wing at times during the second half, with Thomas-Asante causing a few problems.

SONDRE TRONSTAD…6.5

Still building up his fitness but showed some promising signs in the middle of the pitch, both in terms of his tackling and passing. Looked a little bit off the pace at times but has the attributes to be an effective player at this level.

LEWIS TRAVIS…8

A real captain’s performance from the midfielder, who ran his socks off and covered plenty of ground. His weight of passes were spot on at the key moments, setting up Markanday’s opener and also playing Leonard through on goal.

SAM SZMODICS…7.5

Combined effectively with the likes of Leonard and Dolan in and around the box. Did well to set up the second goal after winning back possession in the opposition half. Also had a goal-bound shot blocked in the first half.

TYRHYS DOLAN…6.5

Struggled to make his mark during the opening 45 minutes but got stronger as the game went on. Had some joy running at tired defenders during the final stages but couldn’t quite get the final pass or shot right.

HARRY LEONARD…7.5

Great to see the Academy graduate score his first senior goal for the club. It was a tidy finish but Palmer will probably feel he should have done better with it. Will be kicking himself for the misses in the second half but should take encouragement from his runs to get into those areas.

DILAN MARKANDAY...7

Has a point to prove this season and couldn’t have imagined a better way to start, keeping his cool to slot past Palmer. Was struggling to make an impact after the break before making way for Ryan Hedges.

Subs

Adam Wharton (for Tronstad, 59) 7.5

Ryan Hedges (for Markanday, 59) 6.5

Callum Brittain (for Rankin-Costello, 77)

Unused: Hilton, S Wharton, Batty, Garrett, Buckley, Ennis

Referee: Dean Whitestone

Attendance: 16,641 (2,925)