CHRISTIAN Walton conceded Aleksander Mitrovic was ultimately the difference at Ewood Park on Saturday – despite Rovers’ best efforts.

The Fulham striker turned Tosin Adarabioyo and fired past the Brighton loanee on 65 minutes to hand the promotion-chasers a 1-0 win and all three points.

Mitrovic’s 20th Championship goal of the campaign settled a game low on quality in the final third and ended Rovers’ unbeaten home run stretching back to September.

Walton made a string of saves to give his side a fighting chance in the closing stages but Tony Mowbray’s men managed just the one shot on target.

Sam Gallagher was denied by Marek Rodak 15 minutes from time before captain Darragh Lenihan’s late strike was controversially ruled out for offside to the dismay of Rovers.

Walton was philosophical post-match however with Hull City next up at Ewood Park on Tuesday night.

“The effort was there for everyone to see, which has been the case in every game this season,” he told the club website.

“That bit of quality in the final third got them the win, and for us it’s just about looking forward to Tuesday now and attempting to get back to winning ways.

“The quality was the difference.

“Mitrovic is a quality player. He’s sometimes not in a game and then all of a sudden pops up with a goal, which is why he’s the top goalscorer in the division.

“He’s a great player for them and I’m sure they’ll be up there towards the top of the league come the end of the season.

“We analysed their threats before the game and the focus was on ensuring he doesn’t go missing in the box. We had to stay tight to him.

“We did get tight to him, but he did really well to wriggle and get the finish in.

“We huffed and puffed but didn’t create too many clear-cut chances apart from their goalkeeper making a really good save from Sam late on down to his right side.

“We just need to take the positives and move on."