Here's how The Lancashire Telegraph scored the players' performances, with a six representing par for the course.

Starting XI (4-3-3)

Aysnley Pears

Didn't have much to do despite Boro's late pressure. One smart save in the first half from a header, another good stop to tip O'Brien's shot wide. Was quick and decisive off his line to deny Latte Lath in the final few minutes. Got away with one piece of poor handling but otherwise a good display. 7

Callum Brittain

Justified his selection on the right side of defence. He was central to Rovers' best attacking play down the right with a number of incisive passes. A performance that will do his confidence the world of good. 8

Hayden Carter

Rock-solid against the lively Latte Lath. Stepped into midfield to set up the opener, which will go down as his assist. 8

Dom Hyam

Another good performance from Rovers' leader at the back. Kept Crooks and Latte Lath quiet throughout. One piece of fantastic defending stood out as he halted Forss on a dangerous counter-attack. 7

Harry Pickering

As dependable as usual. Drifted into midfield to try and help link the play to good effect. 7

Adam Wharton

Played the simple passes and kept things tipping over. Not his most lively game but he didn't put much of a foot wrong either. 7

Lewis Travis

Could have scored in the opening 10 minutes but Dieng made a good save. Showed good energy to press the Middlesbrough midfield. Went off with a knock. 7

Sam Szmodics

The match-winner. A brace, to follow his one at Rotherham. Took both goals really well and was at the heart of all Rovers' best play. Could've and should've had a hat-trick but Dieng denied him. 9

Ryan Hedges

Could've got on the score sheet himself but for a couple of fine saves from Dieng. Heavily involved down the right, particularly in the first half. 7

Tyrhys Dolan

Not his day in front of goal. Headed over with the goal gaping after just a few minutes. Should have squared it to Gallagher in the second half but elected to shoot instead and it was saved. 5

Sam Gallagher

Lasted an hour before he was forced off with an injury. Played a clever role in the goal with a dummy for Szmodics. Should've been on the score sheet himself but he headed wide inside the box. 6

Substitutes:

Semir Telalovic (Gallagher, 59')

A first sighting of the big striker. Played a lovely ball through to Szmodics for a debut assist but he was denied a hat-trick by Dieng. 6

Andrew Moran (Dolan, 59')

Did his out-of-possession stuff well but didn't get involved much. 6

Joe Rankin-Costello (Travis, 76')

Came on in midfield for the final 20 minutes after Travis got a knock. 6

James Hill (Wharton, 95')

Harry Leonard (Szmodics, 95')