Chris Wilder hailed an “outstanding” display from his Sheffield United side to knock Rovers out of the Carabao Cup.
The Blades had drawn their first couple of league games 0-0 but found the net a couple of times at Ewood Park through Tom Cannon and Romelle Donovan.
Wilder thought his side were in control for most of the tie but admitted they had to weather the storm after Dapo Afolayan’s stunning equaliser.
“I thought they were outstanding from the first minute,” he told BBC Radio Sheffield. “Even when we had to suffer for five or 10 minutes when they got themselves back into the game, understanding that the manager would possibly pile into them at half time.
“First half, just disappointing we weren’t further ahead in the game. We controlled the game and created some really good chances.
“Delighted for Tom, a fabulous finish. He has had a couple of opportunities and we’ve sort of dominated the ball and dominated the game.
“Then we had to deal with the disappointment of some really poor refereeing decisions in my opinion - one that lead up to the opportunity for them… you’ve got to say it’s a fabulous finish against the run of play.
“Then we had a little bit of a wobble or five or 10 minutes, but we hung on in there. I just thought we a bit of physicality, a couple of players dropped their levels physically.
“We made some changes and brought some energy onto the pitch. Kalvin (Phillips) was outstanding, Callum (O’Hare) was outstanding, Sammy (McCallum) was good as well.
“I thought that just swung it back around and for me, the last 15, 20, 25 minutes, there was only one team going to win it and I’m delighted it was us.”
It is nearly a year since Wilder returned to Bramall Lane for a third spell in charge. Last season, he steered the Blades away from relegation trouble to a comfortable mid-table finish.
“I am delighted because sometimes these games go a different way, and we have had our issues,” the manager added.
“Last season getting knocked out of the cup, three or four seasons ago getting knocked out against Barnet and you make changes. But I thought the players’ attitude towards everything tonight was first class from the off.”
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