Frank Lampard had no complaints over the result, only his side's performance, as they were well beaten by Rovers at Ewood Park.

Joe Rothwell found the breakthrough that Rovers had threatened all night 15 minutes from time before Bradley Dack added the second in stoppage time.

Rovers were on top from almost minute one, with Rothwell missing two good chances before getting the goal he deserved, his first for the club.

Darragh Lenihan also missed an excellent opportunity for Tony Mowbray's side who claimed just a second win in 12.

And Rams boss Lampard said: “The first half was relatively close, we had a couple of chances, but I thought we played too safe, too sideways and sometimes backwards. That allowed them to put some pressure on us at different times.

“In the second half, they were better. They won second balls, were more physical and they deserved to win.

“If you make mistakes you will get hurt and that is what happened. At times we defended our box alright but if you keep inviting pressure then that can happen.”

Key to Rovers’ win, in Lampard’s eyes, was their ability to win second balls in the middle of the pitch which allowed them to stay on the front foot.

Key to that were the midfield pairing of Lewis Travis and Harrison Reed, both recalled to the side as part of five changes made by Tony Mowbray.

Lampard added: "We were poor and they deserved to win.

"They were more energetic.

"They won second balls, and second balls are pivotal in games like this.

“They drop in midfield and you have to win them to try and get a hold of the game. They won many more than us.

"It wasn't for the want of trying, but we didn't produce.

"It happens in games, sometimes.

"Across the team you could say we didn't play as good as we could.

"If you are below par in the Championship, it is hard. They (Blackburn) were on their game to be fair."