Conceding late goals, and in quick succession, have stunted Rovers' progress of late, but the fine margins went in their favour on what would have been an instantly forgettable night, were it not for their quickfire double.

Rovers, just as in the second half of their last away win at Bolton three months ago, were seemingly so focussed on shutting the opposition out, they forgot how to attack.

The pitch didn’t lend itself to free-flowing football, but both teams’ care in possession left a lot to be desired. In the end, it was two moments of quality that settled the game.

Lewis Travis, once again impressive, has added a drive to a previously workmanlike midfield. His bravery to do something out of the ordinary when linking with Adam Armstrong led to the opener, with a slice of fortune seeing Joe Nuttall turn the ball in at the near post.

Seconds later, Travis won a 50/50 which allowed Elliott Bennett time to pick his pass. Having previously not had the option, prior to Armstrong’s arrival, of anyone willing to run in behind, the substitute needed no invitation. He collected a perfectly weighted pass and the rest was the 21-year-old at his best, running at goal from the left channel and curling in to the far corner. That was that, three points wrapped up in the space of 60 seconds.

It was that kind of impact off the bench that Rovers have craved. Armstrong now has three of Rovers’ four goals scored by substitutes, and in what was a drab opening hour, a bench which boasted five attacking options at least gave some hope that Rovers could take the impetus of a game which had seen the life sucked out of it.

Tony Mowbray said the win helps Rovers keep their season going. They had lost pace with the top six during a difficult end to 2018, but a good run at the start of this calendar year could at the very least put them in contention. That would the aim, and with bottom side Ipswich up next, it feels like the time is now.

That makes it a little surprising the boss is seemingly so relaxed over the transfer window. Here, they had just four fit defenders among their squad, plus the ever-versatile Elliott Bennett.

Richie Smallwood will boost the midfield options having served his three ban game ban, with no recognised central midfielder on the bench which also included also includes Academy prospect Dan Butterworth for the first time in 12 months.

What a smaller squad has allowed though is the likes of Travis and Nuttall to flourish on the first team scene. They have grabbed their chance, and Mowbray does deserve credit for his faith in the club’s impressive academy ranks, which seems to have played a part in the likely departure of Paul Downing.

While the game as a spectacle wasn’t great, it was pleasing to see Rovers be resolute at in defence. A run of 18 goals shipped in the seven games since the Bolton win meant Rovers had the second worst defensive record away from home.

But marshalled by the impressive Darragh Lenihan they restricted a Millwall side, so strong at home and having won four on the bounce, to two shots from distance.

Not that they were battering down Jordan Archer’s goal, scoring from their two attempts on target, and only having a Jack Rodwell header from a corner flashing over the bar as a chance of note before that.

The travelling fans have had little to cheer of late, but the 983 who made the trip, despite that record and the change in kick off time, didn’t mind one jot as the win was celebrated with the customary Elliott Bennett fist pump.

With an overdue clean sheet and three points in the bag, Rovers will hope this can be the springboard to kick on and at the very least, keep things interesting in the final 19 games, rather than just fizzle out.