Jason Steele 7
It shows how well Rovers defended that their keeper had only one save of note to make to deny Paul Gallagher a goal against his former club.
Adam Henley 7
Recalled right-back grew stronger as the game wore on after being given a tough time of it in the first half by Adam Reach.
Shane Duffy 9
Made an incredible 28 clearances – 16 more than the entire Preston team put together – and played a big part in Rovers’ opening goal. Huge performance.
Grant Hanley 8
Like his centre-back partner, the captain was magnificent. Showed great awareness to make two clearances, in particular, that could have led to Lilywhites goals.
Markus Olsson 8
Defended superbly throughout and was an outlet and threat the other way too. The left-back’s best display of the campaign.
Ben Marshall 7
Back on the wing, he linked up with Henley and Chris Taylor in the lead-up to Jordan Rhodes’ match-winning penalty and made some stirring second-half runs.
Hope Akpan 7
Could not keep hold of possession early on but improved thereafter, winning his headers and, like his midfield partner, offering a shield to the back four.
Corry Evans 7
Went desperately close to celebrating his new contract with a goal as his right-foot shot cracked against the post before the ball eventually crossed the line.
Craig Conway 7
Hardworking winger’s free kick led to Rovers breaking the deadlock and he fired over the bar before being replaced by the composed Danny Guthrie.
Tom Lawrence 6
Tried to get on the ball in the scrappy opening exchanges but his hopes of a making an impact were dashed by injury and he was replaced by the tireless Taylor.
Jordan Rhodes 7
Top-scorer had to plough a lone furrow for long periods but it is a role he performed admirably and he got his rewards with the penalty.
Substitutions
Chris Taylor for Lawrence (33)
Danny Guthrie for Conway (74)
Fode Koita for Rhodes (82)
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