THE key moments and player ratings from the game against Middlesborough

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BRAD FRIEDEL: The big American was back to his brilliant best. Made two world class saves in the second half 9

LUCAS NEILL: Needed all his battling qualities against Stewart Downing in the second half who threatened to mastermind a revival 6

MICHAEL GRAY: Starting to look the part at left-back. Unflappable under pressure and he swept up anything which was missed 8

MARKUS BABBEL: Turned in the kind of defensive performance that used to be Henning Berg's trademark. Need I say more? 7

CRAIG SHORT: A commanding figure at the back and Rovers always look more solid with him in the side 7

ANDY TODD: Asked to do a spoiling job in the centre of midfield and he didn't let anyone down. Stopped Boro's flair players in their tracks 7

GARRY FLITCROFT: It was a day for yard-dogs and no-one epitomised Rovers' fighting spirit more than the skipper 7

JONATHAN DOUGLAS: Worked his socks off for the sake of the team. Got a number of vital interceptions in before he ran out of steam 7

BRETT EMERTON: Provided width down the right without ever hitting top gear. Did a lot of work defensively, though, to help out Lucas Neill 6

PAUL GALLAGHER: Produced some sublime touches up front, including a delightful flick in the build up to the goal 7

JONATHAN STEAD: What a debut! Scored the winner and generally made a nuisance of himself with plenty of selfless running 8

SUBS:

JANSEN (for Gallagher, 65) 6, TUGAY (for Stead, 85) 5;

NOT USED: Enckelman, Cole, Johansson

OPPOSITION

SCHWARZER: Stranded for the goal 6

QUEUDRUE: Likes to launch it 6

RIGGOTT: Outwitted by Gallagher 6

SOUTHGATE: Boro's best defender 7

MILLS: Overrated 6

PARNABY: Subbed at half-time 6

ZENDEN: Looked dangerous 7

MENDIETA: Big disappointment 5

DORIVA: Neat and tidy 7

JUNINHO: Denied by Friedel 6

MACCARONE: Grabbi-esque 5

SUBS:

JOB (for Maccarone, 46) 7,

DOWNING (for Parnaby, 46) 7,

NEMETH (for Mendieta, 66) 5.

NOT USED: COOPER, JONES