Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe hands out his player ratings after the 0-0 draw with Cardiff City.

Christian Walton 8 (MAN OF THE MATCH)

A few hairy moments in the first half with the ball at his feet, but his standout moment was an excellent save to deny Tomlin. Good handling under the high ball denied Cardiff’s set piece threat.

Elliott Bennett 7

Recovered from a difficult start, which saw him booked for a foul on Tomlin, to put in a performance full of running, coupled with some decent first half crosses. A good end to the game when pushed further up the pitch.

Darragh Lenihan 8

Some commanding headers to help clear the countless Cardiff balls in to the box. Had a chance of his own late on, but blasted over the bar. Caught out of possession once in the first half as Glatzel got free, but largely well-positioned.

Derrick Williams 7

Went close to winning it late on when he was denied by the post. Generally assured at the back, but two poor clearances saw Cardiff twice hit the post.

Amari’i Bell 6

Didn’t take advantage of the acres of space he was given in the first half, one cross for Graham apart, but looked solid in the air.. Poor touch almost handed a great counter-attacking chance, and looks short of confidence. 

Lewis Travis 7

Had some drive to his play throughout, and put himself about in the middle of the pitch. A few loose touches in possession a source of frustration.  His cross created the late chance for Williams.

Bradley Johnson 7

Made a couple of late runs in to the box including one late one which he could turn goalwards. Guilty of giving the ball away too often.

Sam Gallagher 5

Spent much of his afternoon challenging for aerial balls as he was given little chance to break in behind the Bluebirds.

Bradley Dack 6

Could never get in to the game as Rovers would have wished. A tame header in to the arms of Smithies all he could muster in front of goal. Teed up Graham for a decent chance in the first half.

Stewart Downing 6

Some neat touches in the first half, but couldn’t provide the creative spark that Rovers craved. Mixed success from set pieces. One uncharacterised error in the second half almost handed Ralls an opening goal.

Danny Graham 6

Stuck to his task against the giant pairing of Flint and Morrison. Had one first half shot deflected over and another blocked by a superb Morrison challenge.

Subs

Adam Armstrong (for Graham, 72) 6

Troubled Morrison with his pace and set up a good chance for Johnson late on.

Joe Rothwell (for Dack, 72) 5

Couldn't have the impact on the game that Rovers were hoping for.

Ryan Nyambe (for Downing, 80) 6

Cardiff were enjoying some joy down the right, with his introduction helping to shore that up.

Subs not used: Jayson Leutwiler, Richie Smallwood, Joe Rankin-Costello, John Buckley