Sam Allardyce paid tribute to the supporters as playing a key role in Rovers' 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park this Sunday.

Headed goals in each half from Benni McCarthy, his 12th of the season, and Ryan Nelsen, his first for the club saw the home side pick up three vital points in their quest for Premier League survival.

And after the game the Rovers boss felt that the home supporters, who came out in numbers for this north west derby, really played their part.

"It was a huge win for us," said the Rovers boss on Radio Rovers after the game.

"We got off to a really good start by concerting some pressure on Wigan and creating a few chances which gives the fans something to look forward to.

"The whole of the ground was all ours nearly today for the first time which meant that there was a vibration of sound all the way around which I think was helping the players along.

"I think that their response and the fans together has contributed to what was a fantastic result in the end."

After creating a host of chances in the opening half, it looked that Rovers would go in at the break without the goal their play deserved, but a pinpoint corner kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen saw Benni McCarthy beat Chris Kirkland to the ball to head home.

Then on the hour mark McCarthy turned provider when his free-kick was glanced into the back of the net by Nelsen.

"We've produced some really good quality in the final third today and scored the goals at a very good time. Benni with a very brave header and then his quality free-kick for Ryan to score his first goal ever couldn't be a more important goal for us."

But it was at the back that Rovers also impressed, Paul Robinson earning the Peter Jackson man-of-the-match award for a string of fine saves to keep Wigan at bay.

"We knew Wigan were going to throw caution to the wind, and even though it was a little bit nerve-wracking at times and there was some desperate defending, but we threw our bodies in the way and there were some marvelous saves from Paul Robinson which meant we got a deserved victory."

Sam Allardyce's post-match comments were sent out first and exclusively to subscribers of our SMS Breaking News service. If you would like to be kept up to date with the latest transfer news then text CLUB ROVRS ON to 88442 to sign up to the only official Blackburn Rovers SMS Service.