Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out five talking points from the Walsall win.

MILESTONE MOMENT

Danny Graham made it 15 for the season and in doing so passed 150 career goals.

He has 10 in his last 18 outings and having not scored away from home since September, it was a welcome sight when he found net at the Banks’ Stadium.

It was something of a surprise to see him withdrawn on the hour mark until it became clear that he had been unwell at half-time.

His hold-up play was exemplary, offering Rovers an outlet at every given stage in the first half and they lost some of their control after he was substituted.

Graham netted with two close range finishes and went close with a volley, striking up a particularly good relationship with Elliott Bennett down the Rovers right.

Rovers will be keen to have the big man available for the trip to AFC Wimbledon and he’s sure to play a key part in the remaining games.

SLUGGING IT OUT

We saw two sides to Rovers during the 90 minutes.

The opening 45 was full of creative play on the front foot, the second full of grit and determination to see the game out.

They started the game on the front foot, penning Walsall back and they could have been out of sight in the first half.

It would likely have been game over had Adam Armstrong’s shot been an inch or so lower prior to Walsall find a goal just before the break.

There was no doubt they were hanging on at stages, but the switch to three at the back for the closing stages helped them see the game out professionally.

 It wasn’t pretty, but the points haul certainly was, and with 12 games to go, that remains all important.

UNWELCOME RETURN

Rovers were hit by an illness bug in the camp over the festive period and will be desperate for it not to return at this important stage of the season.

On that occasion it affected a host of senior players, as well as boss Tony Mowbray.

Bradley Dack missed the trip to the Banks’ Stadium, the first time he has not been in the starting line-up since October having not trained for much of the break.

Graham and Bennett were both unwell at half-time, with Rovers set to assess the trio ahead of the trip to AFC Wimbledon.

Having welcomed a number of senior faces back in to the fold of late, they will be desperate not to lose anymore with 12 games to go.

PAYNE IN THE GAME

What Dack’s absence did do was afford Jack Payne the opportunity to play in his more favoured number 10 role.

The Huddersfield loanee has been in and out of the side since his January arrival but flourished in a first-half in which Rovers were well on top.

He had a role in both of Danny Graham’s role and always picked up good positions to receive the ball.

However, when the game became scrappier and the flow less structured, his influence diminished and he spent much of the second half chasing after the ball rather than looking to get on it.

He was substituted with 10 minutes to go but his contribution meant Dack’s absence wasn’t so devastating as it might have been prior to his arrival.

AWAY DAY TO SAVOUR

Impressive Rovers away followings are nothing new.

Here, 2,800 of them packed in to a stand and a half at Walsall and gave the players terrific vocal support, something that was appreciated as shown by the scenes at the final whistle.

They helped Rovers over the line in a nervous second half and however difficult, must be something that is reproduced at Ewood Park.

Seeing young and old enjoying follow Rovers once again was great to see, and here’s hoping they have something to savour come May.