JORDAN Rhodes scored his ninth goal in seven games as Rovers made it back-to-back victories by beating high-flying Watford at Ewood Park tonight.

There were 65 minutes on the clock when red-hot Rhodes thumped home a header to secure a thoroughly deserved win which moved Gary Bowyer’s improving side up to eighth in the Championship.

The Hornets came into the game on the back of a three-match winning run and as the league’s leading goalscorers.

But they could find no way through the resolute home defence.

Rovers boss Bowyer said: “It was an outstanding effort.

“I thought we backed up our performance on Saturday with an excellent win tonight against a top, top team.”

Rovers: Kean, Kane, Hanley, Dann (Kilgallon 90), Spurr, Cairney, Evans, Lowe, King (Olsson 83), Rhodes, Best (Marshall 61). Subs not used: Eastwood, Marrow, Judge, Williamson.

Booked: Best, Evans.

Goal: Rhodes 65.

Watford: Almunia, Belkalem, Angella, Cassetti, Faraoni, Battocchio (Forestieri 72), Iriney (McEachran 62), McGugan, Anya, Deeney, Acuna (Fabbrini 46). Subs not used: Bond, Doyley, Murray, Pudil.

Booked: McGugan, Faraoni.

Referee: Scott Duncan.

Attendance: 12,981.

For a full report see tomorrow's Lancashire Telegraph.