Rovers welcomed Burton Albion to The Bolt New Lawn for their final game of 2022. Ian Burchnall named an unchanged side from the team that lost 1-0 to MK Dons on Boxing Day.

Both sides searched to break the deadlock in the opening 10 mins, with Rovers coming closest with an effort from Jamille Matt, which rose over the bar from close range.

Just as Rovers were looking the more confident of the two sides, Burton took the game by the scruff of the neck as Jonny Smith fizzed a low ball across the goalmouth looking for Victor Adeboyejo, but he was beaten to the ball by Olly Casey

Moments before the referee blew for half-time, Terry Taylor’s corner found John Brayford and the Brewers captain nodded home from a couple of yards out.

There was a half chance for Rovers early in the second half when Corey O’Keeffe darted down the right flank, striking a ball across Ben Garratt’s goal, searching for the arriving Harry Boyes but the ball was swept away by Cameron Borthwick-Jackson.

Rovers were gifted a chance to equalise in the 66th minute when Josh March was dragged down in the 18-yard-box, but Matt's penalty was beaten away by Garratt

Bobby Kamwa doubled Burton's advantage with two minutes to play, heading the ball into the net after his initial effort was saved by McGee.

Rovers were given a glimmer of hope for Rovers in injury time when Myles Peart-Harris latched on to a through ball and cooly slotted past Garratt, but the Brewers held on for three points.

Attendance: 2,584 (229 away)