Allardyce missed the 2-0 win against local rivals Bolton as he is due to have surgery later this week. Neil McDonald took charge of the side and he will have been delighted with the display, as a fine goal from David Dunn and a comical Sam Ricketts own goal sealed victory for Rovers.

The first half was a scrappy affair but Rovers always looked capable of causing problems in attack, where Franco Di Santo was partnered by Jason Roberts, who earned a recall to the side after scoring two goals as a substitute against Portsmouth. The lively David Dunn, in an unfamiliar role in a four man midfield, saw an early effort flash wide of the post.

Despite Rovers edging the first half hour they were nearly undone by a touch of bad fortune when Matt Taylor's free kick took a huge deflection off Ryan Nelsen and cannoned onto the crossbar. But Rovers took full advantage of this scare and broke the deadlock immediately. Paul Robinson's throw out found Franco Di Santo on the left and he picked out Jason Roberts with his back to goal. Roberts turned his defender and laid the ball into the path of David Dunn, whose exquisite finish beat Jussi Jaaskeleinen and found the top corner.

After the break Rovers were dominant and had chances to extend their lead. El-Hadji Diouf had an effort cleared off the line by Gavin McCann before Roberts and Dunn combined to create an opening for Di Santo but Jaaskeleinen pulled off a fine save to deny the young Argentinean.

Shortly after, Rovers were given a helping hand to double their advantage. Jaaskeleinen ventured off his line to clear a Brett Emerton long ball but bad communication saw Sam Ricketts head past his 'keeper into his own net much to the delight of the travelling fans behind the goal.

Rovers were good value for the victory and could have scored again when Emerton's low drive was tipped round the post by Jaaskeleinen. At the other end, Lars Jacobsen, on for the injured Givet, was on hand to deny Bolton a late consolation, clearing off the line after Matt Taylor had rounded Robinson.

A first win in eleven attempts away from home has moved Rovers up to 11th, just a point behind Lancashire rivals Burnley.