BLACKBURN Rovers boss Gary Bowyer labelled his 10-man team’s thrilling 2-1 win over Roses rivals Leeds United yesterday as their best of the season.

And he believes they were helped no end by what he reckoned was the best atmosphere he has experienced at Ewood Park since taking over the club in May 2013.

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Roared on by their biggest crowd of the campaign Rovers came from the behind and overcame the 82nd-minute sending off of Tom Cairney to snatch victory at the death when two-goal hero Jordan Rhodes converted a pressure-cooker penalty.

“I think it was our best win of the season,” said a delighted Bowyer, who picked out tireless midfielder Corry Evans as his man of the match.

“I thought we were good first half and we controlled the possession but found ourselves behind to a scruffy goal.

“But I thought in the second half we completely dominated the game and I can only remember Leeds hitting the post.

“The sending off could have changed the game but full credit to our lads. The desire, belief, character, unity and commitment to each other was just unbelievable.

“And it was backed by a magnificent support. The supporters really inspired the players and the atmosphere was reminiscent of the Premier League days here.”

Leeds manager Neil Redfearn disagreed with Bowyer’s assessment of what was a pulsating encounter.

And he felt that referee Kevin Wright got the game’s biggest decision wrong when impressive Rovers substitute, and Whites old boy, Luke Varney went down under a challenge from Sam Byram in the box two minutes from the end of normal time.

Redfearn, whose side were backed by the largest away following in the Championship so far this season, said:  “We deserved to win. I don’t think Blackburn deserved anything.

“We gave them the first goal and the second was never a penalty.

“Referees have got to get these things right. It was a poor decision. At the time it looked like a dive and now I’ve seen the DVD – and it’s not good for football.

“It should have been a yellow for simulation.”

But Bowyer said: “I’m surprised that there is some confusion over the penalty because for me the lad dived in and brought Varns down.”

The win hauled Rovers up to sixth in the standings and stretched their unbeaten run to eight matches going into Saturday’s clash at third-placed Middlesbrough.

“There are 28 games to go so we won’t be getting carried away,” said Bowyer, who confirmed fit-again forward Chris Brown will feature in Tuesday’s Lancashire FA Senior Cup quarter-final clash against Manchester United at Leigh Sports Village.

“We’re just going to try to keep on getting better. That’s the challenge that we’ve thrown down to the players and I’m delighted that they’re looking to improve all the time.

“They’re never happy and they’re never settled.”