DAMIEN Johnson felt Blackburn Rovers Under-23s were not on top of their game in Monday night’s 2-0 victory over Norwich City at Ewood Park, writes SAM JONES.

But Rovers made it back-to-back wins in the Premier League 2 thanks to a first-half goal from Lewis Mansell and a late penalty from Connor Mahoney.

Johnson acknowledged his side were slightly fortunate to take a lead into the break and admitted the scoreline could have been different if the Canaries had taken one of their early chances.

The Rovers Under-23 boss said: “There were elements of the game that we are not happy with, but that’s part of our learning, starting games better, and I’m sure we will learn from it.

“The lads have high standards for themselves and we still felt we could have been better.”

Rovers named trialist Wes Brown and returning first-team duo Adam Henley and Elliott Bennett in their starting line-up.

But right-back Henley lasted just two minutes before pulling up injured.

And Johnson said: “Making the early change, with Adam going off injured, didn’t help us and I think that just disrupted us a little bit. We were better second half and thankfully kept it out at the other end.”

Rovers have conceded just one goal in their opening four league games and the shut-out was their third in succession.

Johnson said: “The clean sheet is first and foremost what we are after. We are trying to develop a winning mentality so it is important that we learn how to win games because that is part of their development.

“We want good performances aligned with the results – that’s always what we are striving for.

“The lads will push themselves on individually and there were some good individual performances tonight.

“But we also know where we can improve as a team, which is important as well.”

The result moved Rovers up to fifth in the Division Two standings with two wins, one draw and one defeat.

And with back-to-back league victories, along with three clean sheets on the bounce, they certainly have some momentum going into their next fixture – a trip to face Swansea City on Monday (7pm).