MANAGERLESS Blackburn Rovers finally gave their supporters something to smile about with a determined 3-1 victory at Barnsley.

Caretaker boss Gary Bowyer, helped by Terry McPhillips, got his side to produce a disciplined display as they comfortably saw off a poor Barnsley side.

First half goals from Josh King and Ruben Rochina and a late strike from Jordan Rhodes were enough to give Rovers just their second win in 11 matches to halt their slide down the Championship.

The result was rarely in doubt from the moment King raced clear on 29 minutes to fire Rovers ahead, with Rochina doubling the lead just before half time.

Substitute Colin Kazim-Richards, Jordan Rhodes and Rochina all went close to making the lead even more convincing as Barnsley looked like tamely surrendering.

The hosts were given hope on 76 though as Stephen Dawson stepped forward to rifle a shot into the top corner to give Rovers a nervy finale.

Substitute Nuno Gomes should have made the game safe in injury time but somehow shot wide from close range with the net gaping, after good work from Kazim-Richards.

Rhodes did make sure though in the dying seconds as he slotted home from 10 yards.