ROVERS reporter Rich Sharpe picks out five talking points from the 1-0 win at Bradford City.

COMPETITIVE EDGE

TONY Mowbray had been critical of his side’s workrate in the defeat to Doncaster, and called for a more competitive edge ahead of the trip to Bradford City.

From the right whistle, they were quick out of the traps, flying in to the tackles and competing for every second ball.

While conceding free-kicks at times played in to the hosts’ hands, with their real danger coming from set plays, it was at least pleasing to see Rovers showing some hunger and thirst for the fight.

It wasn't just individuals though, the whole team contributed to the result with some dogged and disciplined work out of possession.

And in the closing 15 minutes, when met with a barrage of Bradford long balls, they stood up tall to that particular task to see the game through.

MIDFIELD DUO

RICHIE Smallwood and Corry Evans were given the nod to partner each other in the middle of the Rovers midfield for the third consecutive game.

Both have different qualities, but as a partnership they do complement each other well, with Smallwood’s tenacity and Evans’ eye for a pass. Against Coventry in the Carabao Cup, in which they both scored, they were excellent, and were among Rovers' better performers in the Doncaster defeat.

Here, they thoroughly dominated what was a competitive central area of the pitch, providing able to cover for their back four as they outworked Bradford's diamond, while still providing ammunition for the forward thinking players.

Mowbray is still looking to add another midfielder to his ranks, and also had Peter Whittingham in reserve, but these two look well placed to keep their shirts.

MORE MOBILITY

IT WAS an interesting team selection from Tony Mowbray who was understandably keen to add more mobility to his starting XI.

With Craig Conway recalled on the left, Dominic Samuel given the nod in attack, with Bradley Dack also returning, the Rovers line-up looked to have much more athleticism with the three changes.

In Conway and Elliott Bennett, they had willing runners on the flanks, while Samuel did plenty of unselfish work in attack when leading the line alone.

And as Rovers tried to wind down the clock in the closing minutes, the introductions of Ben Gladwin and Marcus Antonsson only added to their athletic look.

A MULGREW MOUTHFUL

MOWBRAY is looking for more leadership, and ownership, from his players on the pitch, and seemingly got that from his skipper in the latter stages.

When Ben Gladwin tried a dragback in the dying seconds inside his own half, only to be disposed, Mulgrew didn’t hold back in giving him an assessment of what he had just witnessed.

The same fate was handed to Marcus Antonsson, after he chose the wrong option late on, but Mowbray was all too pleased to see his players taking responsibility out on the pitch.

RECORDS RIPPED UP

COLCHESTER United, in March 2016, were the last team to win three points as a visiting side to Bradford City prior to Rovers’ visit.

It was a run that stretched 31 games, and 14 months, but ended with something of a whimper, as Rovers left deserved visitors.

Indeed, a few penalty appeals apart, it was fairly comfortable for Rovers as a defensive unit, as they ended their wait for a league win, as well as Bradford’s proud home record.

Added to that was an incredible crowd of 21,403 for a third tier match, including 1,965 from East Lancashire, who created an atmosphere which only added to the sense of occasion.