Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings from the 4-3 win over Reading.

Christian Walton 6

Reading scored with all three of their shots on target. Got close to Swift’s freekick, and a hand to Baldock’s header, but couldn’t keep either out. Looks set to go the whole season as an ever-present.

Ryan Nyambe 7

Showed no signs of the confidence issues that Mowbray said were behind his exclusion at Millwall. Kept his width well down the right all game.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Won seven headers in all and wasn’t until Baldock’s introduction that Rovers were really stretched. Has soon become one of the more experienced members of the side.

Hayden Carter 8

A solid debut, even with the three goals conceded. Looks physically secure, and took the right option with the ball more often than not. Deserves another go at Luton on the final day.

Joe Rankin-Costello 7

Looks the real deal, and despite playing left back popped up in a variety of unexpected areas. Does follow the ball at times, but always heavily involved. Tired late on and could have given a penalty away for a coming together with Meite.

Lewis Travis 6

Did want to take too many touches on occasion, including in the lead-up to the Reading equaliser, but a very high pass completion rate.

Bradley Johnson 6

Looked better in a midfield two, but does concede too many fouls, with one leading to the first Reading goal. Has now started six consecutive games, his best run since the opening eight matches.

Joe Rothwell 7

One goal and one assist as he backed up his equaliser against West Brom last time out at Ewood. Looks busy, and better on the left of a 4-4-2, but could have released the ball a little quicker on occasion.

Lewis Holtby 7

Two assists for the German who looked much more at home drifting in off the right flank and operating deeper. Has only completed 90 minutes once since signing, a statistic he’ll be keen to improve on.

Ben Brereton 8

Looked strong and powerful right from the word go, and a calm finish infront of goal was a pleasing sign. Could have more, with good opportunities in both halves, with one shot deflected wide and another flashing across goal.

Adam Armstrong 8

Fifteen goals in the league now, and another long-ranger to add to his collection. Looks hungry for goals, with five attempts on goal across the game, but his ability to find space and drive at the defence is a real source of improvement.

Subs

Jacob Davenport (for Johnson, 69) 6

Booked for a foul seconds after coming on, and the game was a little stretched in midfield after his arrival.

Sam Gallagher (for Brereton, 69) 7

Showed good desire to get in at the far post to head in the winner, the second winning-goal he’s scored this campaign.

John Buckley (for Holtby, 69) 6

Wanted to get on the ball where-ever possible. Chose to try and play in a team-mate after dancing in to the box late on, rather than shoot himself.

Harry Chapman (for Rothwell, 77) 6

Excellent cross for Gallagher’s winner, but some of his off the ball work needs improvement.

Jack Vale (for Brereton, 77) 6

Denied by the bar with an instinctive shot late on, and put himself about after coming on. Highly rated by the manager and coaching staff.

Not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Stewart Downing, Elliott Bennett, Tyler Magloire