Tony Mowbray felt it was like the Rovers of old as they got their first Championship win of the season against Middlesbrough.

Danny Graham scored from the spot in the 25th minute, having been fouled by Anfernee Dijksteel, which proved to be the only goal of the game.
The striker was one of four changes as Rovers went more direct than they had in the opening two games, defeats against Charlton and Fulham.

“It was like a lot of games last season, the aesthetics weren’t so great, it wasn’t a great game but played between two pretty determined teams,” Mowbray said,

“Both teams were in the same situation, neither had won, both desperate for a victory but we were at home and needed to try and force the game.

“For probably over an hour I think we did, they came on stronger towards the end, they have some good players.

“But it was great to get a clean sheet, great for all the defenders and goalkeeper.

“We’re off and running and until you’ve got that first win in any season it can weigh heavy on you.

“But they brought the characteristics and qualities we know they have in abundance, drive, desire, commitment, fighting for each other.

“It was all there, all on show and we managed to get the result.”

Mowbray said three points, whatever the style, would be key for Rovers in their third Championship fixture.

They also came up with a first clean sheet of the campaign, with Darragh Lenihan making a timely returned with Tosin Adarabioyo ruled out.

“In pre-season we’ve tried to get more control in games but you get to a point where the victory is more important than the style of play,” the boss added.

“And that was us. We can win football matches, we don’t want to be over reliant on a 34-year-old centre forward who has banged in goals for us over the course of the last two years.

“At some stage he won’t be able to do it but he took his penalty with aplomb, he’s still got it, he’s still going strong.

“We decided to go and bit longer, I watched Middlesbrough in their opening game at Luton and they scored three goals against a team who probably tried to over play a little bit.

“They have good players, experienced players, but we got the result and I think we deserved it even though they came on strong in the last 20.”

Rovers went in to the weekend bottom of the league, with just one own goal to show for their efforts.

Though Mowbray said there wasn’t any extra pressure on him, or the team.

He said:“I have been doing this a long time and even if there were questions about not winning any of our first three and sitting bottom of the league, I would have come back and said if after 10 or 12 games we’re still bottom of the league then I think would be some serious questions to be asked.

“But this team is full of heart, spirit and togetherness and lots of good players as well.

“We’re looking forward to every game and believe we can win every game.

“It was about being professional getting the job done and we managed to do that.”