AS you probably know, my words in this column have not always been complimentary to the manager and players down at Ewood lately.

I've questioned tactics, team selection and the desire and bottle of the players, with some justification in my opinion as Souness himself has questioned whether some players had the desire to fight for the cause.

So it is with great pleasure and no little relief that I write this piece after a 'battling' 1-0 win at Middlesborough at the weekend.

Finally I get to write a more upbeat piece on a win, and not our defeats or financial predicament.

What was the secret of our win on Saturday?

Fifty yard passes, neat one-touch triangles or showboats in the last third?

No, it was good old-fashioned hard work from good old-fashioned grafting players. Players willing to chase down, get tackles in and, wait for it, battle for the cause. It was just what the majority of fans have been advocating over the past months and finally it's happened.

Full marks to the manager for setting us up to be difficult to beat and full marks to the players for working hard and playing with discipline. I wouldn't want to jump the gun and believe that we've turned the corner, far from it, but if the players have now finally realised the predicament we are in then maybe this type of performance can be the norm.

When you set out in a game to stifle the opposition, it is down to the front players to put in the necessary work to set the standard for the others.

Now I don't think I'm talking out of turn when I say that this has not been our strong suit over the season so far, but Souey's bold decision to play a changed front two worked wonders at Boro.

Stead took his goal superbly and could turn out to be a real find - and then there's Paul Gallagher. For me this young man epitomises everything that will be needed over the coming games.

He instantly raises the tempo and the urgency of those around him. His closing down and work rate is excellent, he has a good touch and he's no bad finisher either. He doesn't bother about reputations, he's not frightened of ruffling a few feathers and he looks to have supreme confidence in his ability.

Most importantly, he has real desire and hunger, something other Rovers players could certainly learn from.

Long may this boy lead the line in a blue and white shirt.

Too many times this season though, Rovers' form has dipped alarmingly after a good win. This makes the Newcastle game vitally important. Saturday's win will count for little if we don't put in a performance tomorrow. It's not just the result that's important but also the overall attitude. Should this remain the same as Saturday we may be able to look forward rather than over our shoulder.

Let's keep the good run going, one win on the trot, happy days!