Relief at unexpected win but Rovers must build on it

Football. The strangest game in the world. Had I written this column after 65 minutes on Saturday, I would have told you it was a lacklustre - at best - performance by a Blackburn Rovers side who looked like they had first met at 3pm.

After recent results, I had hoped to see an instant reaction but Southampton were very comfortable and the game only seemed to be going one way.

Valerien Ismael declared post-match he remained confident throughout the game that Rovers would come good despite the chances missed. I think he was the only person in Ewood Park feeling that way!

As the substitute board was raised in the 67th minute, the crowd turned with chants of 'We want Venky's out' and 'You're getting sacked in the morning'.

The plot twist I and many others didn't see coming was the subs changing the game and the remaining 30 minutes were an absolute joy to watch - end to end and a real sense of fight from a team I feel is still trying to find its identity.

I was absolutely delighted for Ryan Alebiosu scoring his first ever senior goal. His celebrations showed what it meant to him, and he has been my favourite summer signing so far.

Andri Gudjohnsen had a very quiet game but did what he was bought to do and found the net, securing our first home win of the season.

We don't come from behind to win often, and my celebrations were somewhere between pure joy and a huge sense of relief.

The result leaves us 21st on 10 points and I am sure the one thing the gaffer, the squad and the fans can agree on is that is not good enough. The performance of the last 30 minutes needs to be maintained for 90.

So while the win deserves to be celebrated - because who knows how many we will get - the challenge now for Ismael and his men is to build upon it.