Well, we ground that one out! I'd say we deserved it on the balance of play. The talking point will be Cardiff City's disallowed goal which I think should have stood, but sod it, we've had more poor refereeing decisions go against us than most, so let's take it and tell Cardiff City tough titty.
Wahlstedt
Only had two notable things to do. One was a very good save to deny a Cardiff City equaliser. The second was a dreadful punch from a cross that, thankfully, Pickering managed to get something on to clear it from immediate danger. He got his clean sheet thanks to a very sturdy defence, but he will need more time to adjust. We may have to forgive him certain mistakes given his age.
Hyam
Improvements coming slowly. Didn't win any headers which is a general concern I have with him, but otherwise didn't put a foot wrong.
Carter
His best game in Rovers colours, and my Man of the Match. Had Meite in his pocket later on in the game, was dominant in the air throughout, and was very good with his passing. He wasn't afraid to venture forward when space opened up for him. A clean sheet for Rovers usually involves a bit of luck, but he was otherwise the biggest reason for our clean sheet, and therefore, our victory.
Hill
Had no idea he had a long throw in his locker. The problem is that there seems to be no brute's big fat head to throw it onto. A great game overall. Got his tackles spot-on, and contributed to our attacking play.
Brittain
He is brilliant with the ball at his feet. He fended off two or three players at once with good technical skills on a few occasions. He will start to get assists from the right-back or right wing-back position if he keeps up his performance levels.
Pickering
A solid game. Nothing of note one way or the other.
Tronstad
Standout player in the first 20 minutes with some superb tackling, covering, and passing. Made a couple of Wharton-esque passes that put us right on the back foot, but cut it all out after the first half. A generally good game.
Szmodics
Our most-talented player. Not bad for £1.5m. He scampered everywhere, as usual, and chased everything down, even if he had little opportunity to score. I think opposition teams realise that he's the danger-man.
Rankin-Costello
I thought he was largely ineffective in the wide area until he ran through for his goal, and thereafter. He should have had a second to put the game to be, but he dallied on the ball and the opportunity was lost. He also could have opened the scoring in the first half after a lovely low cross from Brittain. I think the fact he gets into those positions means he carries a goal threat, and I hope he starts in the same position at Millwall on Tuesday.
Dolan
Highs and lows. A number of times, he stifles the forward play, but he got the key assist to help win the game. I think he keeps his place in the starting XI because when he gets the confidence to take a player on or do something positive, he is unplayable.
Sigurdsson
Probably our poorest player on the pitch, so I think it was right to bring Ennis on for him. He wasn't particularly bad, but didn't offer much, and generally looked fatigued. It's clear that he was tired from international duty and travelling. He'll be back with a bang soon because he is a class player.
As for the subs...
Ennis
Didn't get to see much of the ball when Cardiff City were looking for their equaliser. Ran about a bit and did one or two bits of decent hold-up play.
Travis
Too short a time on the pitch to notice anything good or bad.
Cardiff City will be aggrieved at their disallowed goal, but tough shit, really. They didn't really offer anything else. I can see why they are where they are, however. They are a solid outfit that could easily have come away with a point.
The referee was generally abysmal, and in our favour. That's even discounting the disallowed goal because he has to trust his assistants. Too many stoppages of play, free-kicks when play could have continued. Very whistle-happy.
But overall it was a deserved win. Delighted with the clean sheet, which is our second in a row, and I think it's no coincidence that we have become defensively tighter since Hill came into the side and going three at the back. We only moved up a couple of places to 15th, but we're just three points (and goal difference) away from sixth, so it's tight as usual. Thankfully, that is! I think we can get in there and hopefully put our sticky patch behind us.