BIG Sam breathed a huge sigh of relief as Rovers picked up a huge three points with a 2-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.

Rovers went into the Ewood Park encounter without a win in their last nine league matches and hovering just two points off a relegation place, but after goals from Chris Samba and Ryan Nelsen they can now start looking up rather than over their shoulders.

 

"It is a massive relief for the players," said Allardyce speaking to Radio Rovers after the game

"We've had a huge period of games, this being our third game in six days, whilst Fulham haven't had a match at all.

"But we've beaten an in form Fulham side who are riding high in the top half of the league.

"It has been a magnificent effort from the players, and I'm really pleased for them.

"Hopefully it will give us a bit more confidence for Wednesday now, to go down and get the ultimate prize, after securing three points today, and that is a wonderful trip to Wembley if we can."

The game started in nervy fashion, with the home side showing the pressure of no wins in nine, but when Chris Samba fired Rovers in front at the midway point of the half the pressure started to lift.

Then when Ryan Nelsen headed Rovers' second on 54 minutes they were finally able to play the sort of football that a side with confidence can.

"The pressure that was on the players meant that they were a little bit tentative and a little bit nervous," admitted the Rovers boss.

"But you saw the pressure lift once we got the second goal and you saw the ability that we know we've got come towards the end of the game.

"Everybody knows what goals mean to you and all of a sudden our flowing football started coming back. But it is earning the right to get that chance and today we've earned it.

"Now it should stand us in good stead for Wednesday."