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)