SHANE DUFFY

YOU would not have blamed the Rovers medical staff had they popped a paracetamol or two into the back four’s post-match energy drinks given the aerial bombardment they came under during the latter stages of the Deepdale derby victory. Captain Grant Hanley, Markus Olsson and Adam Henley all deserve credit but no-one player stood taller than the majestic Shane Duffy. He may feel he could have done better with the goal that set-up the nervy finish but that was a rare blemish on what was the centre-back’s best display in a Rovers shirt. His vital statistics back that up – five interceptions, two blocks and an incredible 28 clearances.

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THE RESULT

FOR the 15 minutes after Jordan Rhodes stroked home his penalty with customary class and coolness Rovers and their supporters were enjoying themselves. There may still have been a third of the match to play but the cries of Olé had already started. But Joe Garner’s goal changed the course of the contest and ultimately Paul Lambert’s side were made to hold on for what was a genuinely hard-fought victory. But that made it all the sweeter. On too many occasions this season, most painfully against you know who, Rovers have played well and lost. And on too many occasions last season they let leads as commanding as the one they held on Saturday slip. This was a step forward.

 

THE FANS

IT was a magnificent sight to see 5,486 travelling fans packed into the Bill Shankly Kop. Rovers have long received superb support on the road but, in their shortest trip of the season, this was special. The group of players Paul Lambert has inherited are ones with character but, when their backs were against the wall in the second half, if they needed lifting, they only needed to glance behind them to get it. Now more of the same is needed for Lambert’s first home game in charge on Saturday. The Ewood faithful have stuck with their side this season despite seeing just two wins. But, with the arrival of Lambert bringing renewed optimism, it is time to raise the roof against Sheffield Wednesday.

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