Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out five talking points from the 2-0 home win over Charlton Athletic. 

GRINDING IT OUT

This wasn’t vintage Rovers, far from it, but the win was just as satisfying as they showed great resilience in the second half to see the game out.

Rovers put a lot in to the game, Tony Mowbray admitting they had to adapt their game to deal with Charlton’s threats, and they sat deeper and deeper content to see the game out.

In the 19 league games in which Rovers have scored first under Mowbray they have gone on to pick up maximum points on all but two occasions, those being the 1-1 draw at Burton in his first match in charge back in February and the 2-2 draw with Fleetwood in October.

Indeed, not since November 5 in the league, a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, have Rovers scored first and lost.

Having shown they can win in different ways, as well having the character to respond to going a goal behind, it’s a useful combination.

The importance of scoring first is heightened at Ewood and when given something to hold on to, Rovers have shown they are more than capable.

CONTRIBUTIONS ALL ROUND

Bradley Dack and Charlie Mulgrew have been earning the plaudits of latem and rightly so, but there have been contributions all round during this winning run and not just from those starting the game.

Here it was the turn of David Raya to put in a matchwinning display coming up with two big saves and sound handling throughout, while Derrick Williams at left back is one whose form has seen a real upturn.  And from the bench Danny Graham made it three goals in his last four outings having linked up with fellow sub Joe Nuttall.

Willem Tomlinson made an impact once again, bringing energy and precision with his passing, and in a squad which is starting to look stretch given the number of absentees that will certainly please boss Tony Mowbray.

PANTOMIME VILLAIN

Leon Best managed something he failed to do during his infamous three year spell in East Lancashire and that was score for Rovers at Ewood Park.

His arrival was greeted by the trademark boos but there were soon sarcastic cheers as it was he whose head diverted Charlie Mulgrew’s inswinging free-kick in to the corner. Though he was actually something of a handful for the Rovers defenders and would have claimed an assist had Ben Reeves not been denied by Raya.

EWOOD EXPERIENCE

Six of Rovers’ last eight games have been away from home but currently, FA Cup depending, yesterday started a run of seven of their next 10 fixtures being at Ewood Park.

They haven’t been at their convincing best in front of their own fans so far this season but their record is still strong. Rovers have won five of their last eight home matches, including three of their last four and have averaged 1.8 goals a game, conceding 0.9 in their 10 home fixtures.

Charlton, in sixth, were the highest placed opposition that arrived at Ewood Park and of the other 11 sides occupying a spot in the top half eight still have to come to East Lancashire.

That could actually aid Rovers given their success against the better teams in the division and having dropped points against Doncaster (18th), Plymouth (22nd) and AFC Wimbledon (23rd).

TOP TWO PURSUIT

Rovers remain a point outside the automatic promotion spots after a sixth consecutive win following Shrewsbury's home success over Blackpool.

But Rovers are certainly the form team in the division and will the Shrews facing a tough run of fixtures, and their own being more favourable, they will hope to end the year in the top two.

Shrewsbury host in-form Portsmouth next weekend before tricky trips to Wigan and Southend before the year is out but Rovers' focus remains on themselves and the table will take care of itself should they maintain this run.

They are now for the first time this season are averaging over two points a game but Wigan's form is holding firm and Shrewsbury maintaining their grip on sceond.