Rovers' unbeaten start came to an end following a narrow defeat against Hull City, but which players caught the eye?

AYNSLEY PEARS…7

Made a couple of smart stops in the first half to keep the scores level and also did well to deny Delap from close range after the break. Remained calm with the ball at his feet and couldn’t have done much with either of the goals.

JOE RANKIN-COSTELLO…6

Started in the full-back role but was looking to get forward and join the attack at every opportunity prior to the red card. Had a tough time up against Twine and didn’t have as much joy in the final third on this occasion.

HAYDEN CARTER….6.5

Tidy on the ball and kept his cool despite Hull’s attempts to press from the front. A natural fit for the style of play Tomasson wants his Rovers side to master and is only going to keep improving with time.

DOM HYAM…6.5

Made a couple of good blocks and won his fair share of headers against a dangerous Hull attack. Had a difficult chance from a set-play but failed to hit the target.

HARRY PICKERING…N/A

Put his team-mates in a tough position by getting sent off so early in the contest. Would have been better letting Delap get a shot away and backing the team to get back on level terms had it gone in.

LEWIS TRAVIS…6.5

Provided plenty of energy in the middle of the pitch, which was much-needed after the red card. Won the ball back high up the pitch and got into some decent areas, but failed to test Ingram in the Hull goal.

ADAM WHARTON…7

Showed plenty of quality on the ball and his range of passes helped Rovers advance up the pitch at times. Will be keen to play as many minutes as possible in the coming weeks and months as he continues his development.

SAM SZMODICS…6.5

Took up a different role on the left flank following the red card but still drifted inside into more familiar areas. Worked hard to track back and help out the defence when Rovers were under pressure.

RYAN HEDGES…6.5

Was given a start after impressing during the final half hour at Rotherham and had some joy in the final third, creating a couple of chances for his team-mates. Has embraced his role as the most senior player at Rovers following Kaminski’s departure.

HARRY LEONARD…6

Had a few nice touches in the final third but generally struggled to impact the game in the way he did against West Brom on the opening day. Didn’t get many opportunities to cause the Hull backline problems with his pace.

TYRHYS DOLAN…N/A

Was the unfortunate victim of going down to 10 men so early and didn’t have much chance to impact the game.

Subs

Callum Brittain 6.5 (20, for Dolan) – Made an important block in the first half and played a couple of dangerous crosses into the box

Sam Gallagher 7.5 (52, for Leonard) – Took his goal well and his energy caused the Hull backline plenty of problem.

Niall Ennis 7 (52, for Szmodics) – Made another positive impact off the bench and was unlucky not to score.

Unused: Hilton, Tronstad, S Wharton, Markanday, Buckley, Garrett

Referee: Oliver Langford

Attendance: 13,943