Tony Mowbray felt Rovers showed just what a good side they can be as they beat in-form Brentford at Ewood Park.

Bradley Dack finished off a fine team move to score his ninth of the season and make it a hat-trick of November home wins for Mowbray’s men.

They moved up to 13th in the table with a fifth home victory of the campaign against a Bees side who went in to the game with five wins in six.

Mowbray made four changes, including leaving out captain Elliott Bennett for the first time this season.

Corry Evans made a first home start and caught the eye in central midfield with an energetic display alongside Lewis Travis.

“I shouldn’t you tell the trade secrets but I annoy Corry by leaving him out of the team sometimes, knowing that when I put him in the team he is quite angry and goes around and does what he did,” Mowbray said.

“He’s one of my favourite players in this group, but I don’t play him every week because he expends a lot of energy.

“He finds it difficult in these three games weeks to sustain that standard and tempo, so I like to utilise and use him.”

While Mowbray also singled out Joe Rothwell for praise, he was pleased with the all-round display that could have seen them add to their goal tally in the second half.

“I think the performance levels of a lot of the players was right up there,” Mowbray added.

“Sometimes you get five or six playing well, but just about all of them were right up there with their performance levels.

“It needed to be because we played against a good side. You look at their last three away games, they won at QPR, Swansea and Wigan so will have travelled here with a lot of confidence.

“We managed to show what a good side we can be. First half particularly we were good with the ball, the goal epitomised that, a really good goal, cut them. Dack what he does, got in the six-yard box which is a huge strength.

“For a guy who influences the game so much he’s a brilliant player to have that desire to run and get in the box to score goals.

“This team, sometimes manager’s words can be hollow, but these are an amazing group who really care and fight for each and are desperate to do well.

“I’m pleased for them. We’ve all taken some flak in recent weeks, and yet they deserve to win football matches because of the effort they put in. But football can be a cruel game sometimes.

“Generally they’re a brilliant set of lads and I’m glad they’ve got a few results in the last few weeks.”

Ryan Nyambe was replaced midway through the second after sustaining cramp, having been one of the four players to be recalled.

The Namibian international did a fine job to stop the threat of Brentford winger Said Benrahma who was excellent in the previous meeting between the sides.

“We played him because I think Benrahma is one of the best players in the division, he’s a special talent. And when you set Nyambe a challenge to set someone he’s pretty good at it. I’m delighted for him and for the team,” Mowbray added.