Ratings: Player grades as Ipswich Town fall to away defeat to Rotherham

The minute's applause at Rotherham for Barry Chuckle who passed away recently Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Rating scale: 10 – world class display; 9- outstanding; 8- very good; 7 – good; 6 – decent; 5 – average; 4 – below average; 3 – poor; 2 – very poor; 1 – awful

Bartosz Bialkowski

Had little to do in the first half but looked as if he had earned his side a point with an excellent late save from Anthony Forde, as he reacted quickly to push the ball away with a strong right hand. However, he was beaten in the final minute as the Blues lapsed in concentration. 7

Janoi Donacien

Looks much more comfortable at right back than he did in the centre of the Ipswich defence against Blackburn last weekend, but still had some shaky moments. Found the going tough at times in the first half, but managed to get back well and cover whenever caught out of position. Was caught up the field late on, when Rotherham won the free-kick which led to their goal. 5

Jon Nolan goes in for a first half header at Rotherham Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Toto Nsiala

It was an up-and-down first appearance in the Championship for Ipswich Town’s new central defender. All-in-all he performed admirably, but there were a number of heart-in-mouth moments where he was caught out positionally. But, such are his physical attributes, he was able to get back into position using his pace to snuff out Rotherham attacks. Improved in the second period but was unfortunate to concede the free-kick which led to the Rotherham goal. 6

Luke Chambers

His usual key role in the Ipswich back four was heightened this afternoon, given he was playing alongside two players (Donacien and Nsiala) with no Championship experience to speak of. Read the game well, although he did let the ball bounce dangerously on a couple of occasions, and had one notable piece of work where he superbly snuffed out danger following a direct run from Jon Taylor. Hugely frustrated at the final whistle. 7

Jonas Knudsen

The Dane was up and down the left flank for much of the afternoon and got into the opposition box late in the first half where he had a shot saved. Battled throughout but was one a of a number of Ipswich players caught flat-footed when Smith’s shot found the net. 5

Janoi Donacien sits on the pitch disappointed at Rotherham Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Trevoh Chalobah

Town’s star man in the first half, seeing plenty of the ball off the back four and looking to turn it into an Ipswich attack. Cut the mistakes out from last week and showed just why Hurst has put him straight into his midfield. Continued to play expansive balls in the second period but began to tire a little. 6

Gwion Edwards

The Welshman is Hurst’s box of tricks but, as well as the teasing runs and dangerous deliveries, it’s his subtle touch which catches the eye. He can dink the ball over players, cushion the ball away from his man and manoeuvre himself into an attacking position. Looked disappointed to be replaced. 7

Cole Skuse

An improved display from last week, with the experienced midfielder seeing more of the ball. His role was more defined in a slightly more defensive system, but he certainly didn’t take the game by the scruff of the neck. Had one blocked shot which was heading towards goal and got into the box for a headed opportunity but wasn’t able to take advantage. 5

Jordan Roberts goes to ground in the Rotherham penalty area after running through with defender Joe Mattock. Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Jon Nolan

Another player making his Championship bow and the midfield creator saw plenty of the ball and was neat, tidy and positive without overly threatening in the first half. Came into the game more in the second period, flashing a shot wide and offering more support to the central striker. Another gear to find, though. 6

Grant Ward

Back in the side following suspension and out on the left wing, looking to cut inside. In truth he wasn’t able to get beyond right-back Zak Vyner on too many occasions, checking back to gain more time on the ball. 5

Ellis Harrison

A frustrating afternoon for the striker in many ways. In the thick of the physical battle but only had the one sniff at goal, which ended up in the arms of the goalkeeper. Was still isolated somewhat in attack, with large gaps between he and the Ipswich midfield before he was replaced. No shortage of effort, though. 5

Gwion Edwards stretches the Rotherham goalkeeper with a second half free-kick Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Kayden Jackson (for Harrison, 67)

The third debutante of the day, with the striker showing his searing pace on a number of occasions as he burned away from his man. Outdone physically at times in terms of strength and didn’t find an end product on this occasion. A promising start. 6

Tayo Edun (for Ward, 77)

Came on for Ward on the left wing and wasn’t able to make the impact he did on his debut, when he equalised against West Ham. 5

Jordan Roberts (for Edwards, 82)

Came on for his Ipswich debut and looked bright. Should perhaps have had a penalty after being dragged to the ground by Joe Mattock. 6

Gwion Edwards goes in for the ball with the goalkeeper at Rotherham Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)

Gwion Edwards stretches the Rotherham defence with an early cross Picture Pagepix (Image: Pagepix Ltd 07976 935738)