ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 3-1 home defeat by Doncaster.

David Raya 4

Calamitous error handed Doncaster their third goal.  Little chance with either of the first two goals, and made one excellent save from Tommy Rowe.

Ryan Nyambe 4

Played backwards a little too often in possession. Involved in the mix-up for Doncaster’s third. Came up with the cross for Samuel’s late goal.

Elliott Ward 4

Was punished for his defensive lapse as Marquis opening the scoring at the start of the second half.  Was left exposed by the striker’s pace at times.

Charlie Mulgrew 4

Conceded the spot-kick from which Coppinger scored after bringing down the midfielder.  Part of a Rovers defence which became far too stretched throughout.

Paul Caddis 4

A few unsure moments in defence, and lacked any cutting edge in attack, as he wasted several good crossing opportunities.

Corry Evans 5

Tried to get Rovers going in the first half, and showed a number of neat touches, but all too often he was dropping too deep to take the balls of the centre halves.

Will have been disappointed not to have hit the target with a first half effort which he dragged wide.

Deserved to stay in the side after an impressive performance in the win at Coventry City, but couldn’t quite hit the same levels.

Richie Smallwood 4

Plenty of graft, but too often found himself fighting fires, particularly in the second half, as Doncaster were rampant.

Peter Whittingham 4

Played in a more advanced role than previously utilised, but struggled to get involved in the game, often dropping too deep, before being subbed.

Derrick Williams 4

Found himself in a number of good crossing positions down the left, but failed to find the target with any of them.

Elliott Bennett 4

Was Rovers’ only real attacking outlet in the first half, but was crowded out by a well-disciplined Doncaster midfield, losing the ball on too many occasions.

Danny Graham 4

Found himself isolated in the lone striker role as he struggled to get on the end of a number of first-half crosses.  Should have played in Whittingham, rather than shot, in the first half.

Subs

Dominic Samuel (for Caddis, 56) 5

Scored a late consolation with a header from inside the six yard.  Took his goal well, and put himself about, and will have been disappointed not to start.

Bradley Dack (for Whittingham, 56) 5

Was busy enough after coming on, looking to get on the ball whenever possible, but unable to affect the game.

Ben Gladwin (for Williams, 64) 5

Saw one effort excellent saved by Lawlor, and another flash just wide, as he tried to make an impact off the bench.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Liam Feeney, Harry Chapman, Jack Doyle

Doncaster: Lawlor, Andrew, Butler, Mason, Marquis, Rowe, Whiteman, Mandeville (May, 62), Wright, Blair, Coppinger (Kongolo, 83)

Subs not used: Marosi, Alcock, Williams, Garratt, Ben-Khemis