Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 4-2 FA Cup replay defeat to Newcastle United.

David Raya 6

Will be disappointed with his role in the third goal, almost kept out the fourth, but could do little about the first two. His handling from long range shots looked less than secure, but he did keep the score down in the final 15 minutes with some smart saves, as he did to deny Ritchie and Murphy early on. Doesn’t deserve the criticism he appears to have come in for.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Looked better as one of a central defensive two, rather than three, where he was a little lost in his position. Filled in as an emergency with four defenders out either ill or injured. Could have got closer to Murphy to try and stop the lead up to the second goal, though did use his pace to good effect on other occasions.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Looks to have taken on the mantle as the leader of the backline with so many players absent, with another strong display. A  bullet header got Rovers back in to the game just before half time, having gone close just before. Possibly didn’t need to challenge for the ball in the lead up to the second goal.

Amari’i Bell 6

Unfortunate to see the ball deflect off him for Longstaff’s goal, and poor defending for the second goal. Much of the first half threat came down his side, but to his credit, his final ball apart, he improved in the second half. Was a willing worker with some good breaks forward down the left.

Richie Smallwood 7

Recovered from a sloppy start to put in a good shift in the middle of the park. His pass almost created an equaliser for Graham, and generally used the ball well. His return was a welcome one to the side, and showed he won’t give up his place without a fight.

Lewis Travis 8

A fifth consecutive start, and it’s been some run of games for the 21-year-old. Looks every bit a first team player, both in his work on and off the ball. Was out on his feet by the end of 90 minutes, and struggled to have the same impact in extra time, not getting close enough to Perez when scoring  the fourth goal.

Harrison Reed 7

Ran himself in to the ground again, and came off with a slight strain which Rovers will hope doesn’t transpire to be anything more serious. Given a run for his money by Murphy in the second half.

Elliott Bennett 7

Occupied an unusual left wing back role and looked uncomfortable. But when moved to the right, he shackled Murphy well, and a 115th minute 60 yard dash back to put in a last-ditch tackle summed up Rovers’ effort on the night.

Ben Brereton 6

Moments of promise fizzled out just that bit too easily on his third start for the club. A big chance to put Rovers ahead early in the second half, but couldn’t direct it on target. Looked better with his link-up play than he has at times.

Adam Armstrong 7

Tucked away his seventh goal of the season across three competitions after some neat movement and good play from Graham. Rovers needed to get him in to the game more, and it was a little surprising when he was taken off.

Danny Graham 7

Put in one almighty shift up front, and he looked too strong for the Newcastle backline at times, not least when teeing up Armstrong for his goal. Almost tucked away a first half chance, only to be flagged offside. Took a late knock when trying to get on the end of a cross.

Subs

Craig Conway (for Brereton, 65) 6

Was full of running down the right, but just lacked that final ball to create a chance in the final third with his delivery, but one neat flick almost saw Dack scored a third goal.

Joe Nuttall (for Armstrong, 72) 6

Played in a wide role, as he did late on at Millwall, and carried a threat, not least when going close early in extra time when his good movement saw him turn a left wing cross just wide.

Bradley Dack (for Reed, 78) 6

Looked a little short of his usual energy, likely down to the illness which saw him only on the bench. Should have hit the target at the very least when running on to a Conway flick moments before Newcastle scored their third goal.

Joe Rothwell (for Smallwood, 103) 5

Was Rovers’ fourth sub, used in extra time as bodies tired, but couldn’t have an impact on the game.

Unused sub: Jayson Leutwiler, Joe Grayson, Dan Butterworth