'It was a forceful performance' - Ismael

Blackburn are unbeaten since April 4

Blackburn manager Valerien Ismael said his side showed two sides to their game in the 1-0 win at Sunderland.

Tyrhys Dolan scored the only goal of the game to secure a third win in a row and keep Rovers' faint play-off hopes alive.

Rovers are now ninth, four points adrift of Coventry in sixth, and Ismael praised the "strength" of the display.

"It was two games in one game," he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

"The first half we competed well and scored and played some good football. In the second half, with the tiredness, we were more solid.

"We defended well. We needed more transition in the second half to get more relief, but we controlled everything.

"It was a forceful performance from the boys; great attitude, great mentality."

Blackburn welcome Ismael's former club Watford to Ewood Park on Saturday knowing only a win will do.

"We need to focus again for Saturday in the last home game," he added. "We want to finish strong."