Reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after Rovers' 1-0 home defeat to Middlesbrough.

David Raya 7

One excellent double save in the second half from Assombalonga and did well to tip over a fortuitous Howson cross.

Elliott Bennett 6

Gave the ball twice in the opening half hour, but stuck to his task, and gave Rovers an outlet on the right in the second half. Put in the best cross of the first half for Graham, but wasteful with other deliveries.

Jack Rodwell 5

Involved in the mix up for the goal, and earned a yellow card for a foul on Assombalonga, before being replaced at the break.

Charlie Mulgrew 4

Failed to deal with too many long balls forward, punished for a slip in the first half, and almost in the second on a poor afternoon for the skipper. Was his header that led to Williams' red card.

Derrick Williams 5

Restored to the starting line-up at left back, but found himself at centre half when sent off on the stroke of half time for pulling down Fletcher.

Corry Evans 5

Had his pocket picked on too many occasions in a sloppy opening half, in which the midfield was outnumbered. Hauled off at the break.

Harrison Reed 6

Given a go in his favoured central role but couldn’t stop the stem of Boro attacks in the first half, but part of a spirited second half effort. A little too loose in his defensive work in a midfield two. 

Ben Brereton 5

Chastening first Championship start at Ewood for Brereton who took some criticism from the stands for not being strong enough. Replaced at the break.

Bradley Dack 7

Spent most of the first half in a defensive midfield role. Had to show his qualities off the ball in the second half, with some tireless running, but almost came up with an unlikely equaliser.

Adam Armstrong 6

Rovers struggled to get the ball to him in either half. Didn’t give up, but just couldn't get close enough to Graham in the second half.

Danny Graham 6

Toiled away in attack, and had the best chance of Rovers when firing over with 10 minutes to go. His header almost set up the equaliser for Dack.

Subs

Ryan Nyambe (for Rodwell, 46) 7

Not always the most convincing in his defensive work, but had the physical abilities to shackle Assombalonga than any of the other Rovers defenders.

Amari’i Bell (for Evans, 46) 7

Almost saw a cross diverted in to his own net by Shotton after one of several good breaks forward down the left.

Lewis Travis (for Brereton, 46) 7

Saw run of starts end at 10 games, but might not have to wait long for a recall as Rovers struggled without him in the opening 45, and improved after his introduction.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood, Craig Conway, Joe Nuttall