Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Derby County: Tony Mowbray's side recover to win

Tyrhys Dolan scores for BlackburnImage source, Rex Features
Image caption,

Blackburn ended a run of three games without a win

Blackburn boosted their play-off hopes by coming from behind to beat Derby County, who suffered another setback in their Championship survival bid.

Ravel Morrison converted Nathan Byrne's low cross to open the scoring in the 28th minute for the Rams.

Blackburn were soon level at Ewood Park as Scott Wharton headed home a Joe Rothwell corner after 53 minutes and Tyrhys Dolan netted a second moments later, meeting Bradley Dack cross.

And as Derby pushed for an equaliser, Blackburn added a third through a Sam Gallagher header on the break.

Tony Mowbray's Rovers are fourth after the win, five points behind second-placed Bournemouth having played three games more.

The Rams, who would be 16th in the Championship table had they not been hit with a 21-point deduction, are now six points from safety.

Derby had only won twice on their travels in the Championship coming into this fixture, and were facing a Blackburn side with the third-best home form, picking up 37 points from 19 matches.

County had dominated the opening period and had chances to level after falling behind, with Morrison denied several chances for a second through a combination defensive blocks and good goalkeeping.

Wayne Rooney's side face Coventry City in their next match on Saturday, while Rovers travel to Reading.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray:

"I should have maybe changed four, five, six, seven players to be honest.

"We looked a really tired, emotionally-drained football team in the first half. There was a lot of fear and weren't playing how we play on the front foot.

"I had a conversation at half-time of our expectations, we got on the front foot and played how we played in the second half, caused them more problems, took their composure away from them and we got the job done in the end."

Derby manager Wayne Rooney told BBC Radio Derby:

"First half we were excellent, we moved the ball well and really caused Blackburn problems. I thought we could have gone into the break more than one goal up.

"I spoke to the lads at half-time about how Blackburn would come out in the second half and that game management was so important.

"To concede two goals from set-pieces is just disappointing."

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