Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after a 1-0 win at Hull City.

Christian Walton 8

Only one save to make, but it was the all important penalty stop to keep out Jarrod Bowen from 12 yards. Helped take the pressure off his team with some excellent takes from high balls and his sound distribution allowed Rovers to get up the pitch.

Elliott Bennett 7

A tough first half, despite one excellent last-ditch challenge, up against Hull’s dangerman Grosicki. Looked a lot more secure after the break and pushed his winger back with some strong driving runs forward. Won more tackles (7) than any Rovers player.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Involved in a real tussle with Tom Eaves but marshalled Hull’s big No.9 well, a second half booking aside. Looks to have develop a good understanding with Williams. Used the ball well out from the back.

Derrick Williams 9 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

Came up with the vital goal, glancing home from a Downing free kick. That was one of seven successful aerial challenges, while his tackle on Bowen late on kept preserve a second successive clean sheet. A few moments of indecision on the ball, but is deserving of an extended run in the team.

Greg Cunningham 8

Has settled in really well at left back and will be a miss this weekend against his parent club. Played his way in to trouble once in the first half, but shackled Bowen well. One driving run in the second half almost brought him a first Rovers goal.

Lewis Travis 8

Nothing epitomised Rovers’ desire to hold on to the win that a recovery run, and superbly timed challenge, on Bowen late on. Found plenty of space in the second half, and while there is still room for improvement on the ball, his fitness levels continue to stand up.

Bradley Johnson 7

A mixed evening which saw him twice hit the woodwork and head just wide early on, but also give a penalty away for a strong challenge  on Irvine. Guilty of losing the ball on the edge of his own box as Batty fired wide, but his experience and use of the ball helped Rovers negotiate the closing stages.

Sam Gallagher 6

Started out wide again, but wasn’t quite as full of running as he was against Boro. His standout moment came when winning the free kick which led to the goal after an excellent piece of skill.

Bradley Dack 7

Several magic touches from Dack helped Rovers build some good counter-attacking opportunities, not least in the first half. His radar with forward passes was a little off at times, but his influence on the game wasn’t helped by some pretty rough treatment dished out on him.

Stewart Downing 8

His best game in a Rovers shirt as he gets better by the week. Unlucky not to score as his first half effort crashed back off the post. Claimed an assist for Williams’ goal with a clever free kick, though some of his other set pieces weren’t up to the same standard. Created six goalscoring chances and always looked in control with the ball at his feet.

Adam Armstrong 6

Given the nod up top but seemed a little too eager to get in behind, often caught offside. Had once chance which was denied by some excellent goalkeeping from Long. Looked more threatening when moved to the right, causing Kingsley no end of trouble, but couldn’t quite find his target with his final ball.

Subs

Danny Graham 6 (for Gallagher, 63)

Joe Rothwell 6 (for Dack, 74)

John Buckley 5 (for Armstrong, 90)