Rovers player ratings from the 2-0 win over Reading at Ewood Park.

Thomas Kaminski 7

A birthday clean sheet, only a third of the season, for the Belgian. One stop in the first half to deny Yiadom’s header, btu the work infront of him meant he wasn’t overly extended.

Ryan Nyambe 7

A typical Nyambe display where not much got past him down his side, provided a good outlet going forward didn’t always pick out a team-mate with his final ball, while those hamstrings remain the biggest concern as he was forced off injured.

Darragh Lenihan 7

Stood up when Rovers needed him to with some important clearances at 2-0 up. Made two good blocks in the first half.

Daniel Ayala 6

Limped out of the game before half time with a calf problem, bringing an end to his run of featuring in every minute so far, and Rovers will be eager that it isn’t anything serious given his contribution this season.

Tayo Edun 7

Another role in the side, this time as a left back in a defensive four, and while he was dragged out of position at times, was solid in his defensive work, and with only 39 touches, rarely broke forward.  

Lewis Travis 7

Battled through a dead leg to make an impressive number of interceptions (8) and was generally in the right places when Rovers needed him against what was a fluent Reading midfield.

John Buckley 7

Blocked two shots and made five tackles in a disciplined midfield display before showing his versatility by moving to right back after Nyambe’s departure. Becoming an increasingly integral player in this side, but will want to break his duck infront of goal before long. Had the most touches (70) of any Rovers player.

Joe Rothwell 7

Had been quiet in the first half but stepped on the gas to create the opening goal with a fine break forward. His work off the ball is improving. Chants of ‘sign him up’ greeted his assist for the opener and Rovers have a decision to make over his future.

Tyrhys Dolan 8

Scored a fine solo goal to put Rovers two ahead, and had he found the same quality with his final ball as his dazzling skills to get him into those positions, could have had several assists. Was Rovers’ liveliest player in a first half that lacked action. Full of running on his return to the starting line-up.

Sam Gallagher 8

A goal and an assist for the second successive home game and has now netted in three straight Ewood games. Has five goals and three assists in all as his numbers start to back up his hard work. Hit the bar with one effort, and denied when clean through prior to scoring, having been given a chance down the middle.

Ben Brereton 6

Quiet afternoon, and will benefit from a week between games having looked leggy at times. Would have come up with an assist had van Hecke tapped home, but didn’t manage a shot on goal as he went a third game without a goal for the first time this season.

Subs

Jan Paul van Hecke (for Ayala, 38) 7

Somehow turned wide from a Brereton knockdown having won a tackle on the edge of his own box and continued his run. Can get drawn into a physical battle too easily, as shown by a yellow card, but the manager was pleased with his contribution.

Ian Poveda (for Nyambe, 61) 6

Decision-making still needs work, as shown by the booking he received for holding onto the ball too long, but too showed more signs of life after his introduction.

Bradley Johnson (for Rothwell, 87) 5

Booked for stopping a counter-attack with a cynical challenge.

Not used: Aynsley Pears, Leighton Clarkson, Reda Khadra, Dan Butterworth