Darrell Clarke was pleased his Bristol Rovers side never lost hope of earning an equaliser as Chris Lines struck in the 94th to earn the hosts a share of the spoils.

Charlie Mulgrew's penalty had Rovers ahead just after the hour but it was to honours even after Lines' late strike.

Clarke's side had little riding on the game in terms of league position, but the boss was delighted with his side's late show.

“We kept going again, it was a pretty even game for most it,” he said.

“Their lad missed a great chance with a header but we’ve had the better chances before that. Blackburn are a top team and it’s credit to my players that they kept going until the final whistle. It’s another point from a game coming from behind.

“The supporters got right behind the lads and drove us forward, I thought it was a good atmosphere and a good spirited game involving two teams that want to play football, albeit on a very difficult pitch.

“But the commitment and the desire is top notch. We’ve just got to get that 10 per cent of quality added into our play and get ourselves more consistent to get into the top region (of the league).”

Lines scored with a fine volley on his first game back after suspension following a red card at Fleetwood Town on Easter Monday.

On his midfielder, Clarke told the Bristol Post: “It was a great finish and a great technique, he’s always got that in his locker. He conducts himself very well, he is very professional in his approach, and with what he eats and how he lives his life, which is good.

“He’s been fantastic for the club, we were disappointment with him after Fleetwood away, but that’s a great response from him.”

Mulgrew scored his 13th goal of the season from the penalty spot after Richie Smallwood had been fouled by Tom Broadbent.

The decision drew no complaints from Clarke.

“Yeah, if I’m honest with you, I think he dives in, it’s a bit of naivety and Tom’s got to learn from that.

“I think he gave a reason for the referee to give it.”