TONY Mowbray admits he was prepared to gamble after making an attacking double change just before the hour mark in Blackburn Rovers’ 1-0 win over Wigan Athletic.

Rovers moved out of the bottom three courtesy of Marvin Emnes’ goal in the 58th minute as they claimed a third consecutive home league win by a 1-0 scoreline.

Prior to Emnes’ goal, his first since September, Mowbray sent on Danny Graham and Connor Mahoney in a bid to turn the game in Rovers’ favour.

And it paid off as the victory moves Rovers up to 20th in the table, and represents seven points out of a possible nine under the new head coach.

“I had a discussion with the staff at half-time and we had to gamble to try and win the game even if we would  have ended up losing it,” Mowbray told the Lancashire Telegraph.

“I wasn’t prepared to draw the game so those subs were to give us four attacking footballers in Marvin Emnes, Sam Gallagher, Danny Graham and young Connor Mahoney.

“We would then defend with six players and then leave the four to try and win us the football match.

“Thankfully we got the goal and then we made the final change to give us some defensive legs with Elliott (Bennett) who can think more about what to do out of possession than in.”

Emnes ended his goal drought with a well taken goal which came from a Jason Steele kick down the pitch.

But Mowbray was once again delighted by the resilience shown by his side as they made it back-to-back clean sheets.

He added: “Their performance levels have been good, the effort, desire and endeavour is what has got us through.

“After we scored it was a similar match to Derby, but I never felt we were overly threatened although they had a lot of possession in the final third.

“We have to get better on the counter-attack and look to kill the game but the desire and resilience was what got us there.

“It was a brilliant goal from Emnes, great distribution from (Jason) Steele, two players I know very well, and I was delighted for Marvin because he has to add goals to his game.

“In the past he has scored 18 league goals but if he is going to play as a number 10 then you have to get goals. 

“So I’m pleased for Marvin, pleased for the team, pleased for the club and the supporters.

“A lot of work went in to that from the players and I hope the fans can sense that togetherness and confidence that comes with winning games.

“We have another opportunity on Tuesday night to make it three on the bounce against what will be a strong, powerful and athletic Cardiff team.”