BLACKBURN striker Marcus Bent today insisted he's no cheat after last night's promotion battle between Rovers and Watford erupted into controversy.

Hornets boss Graham Taylor and his players were incensed by referee Rob Styles's decision to send off defender Robert Page after a 39th minute clash with Bent in a fiercely fought contest at Vicarage Road.

However, the former Sheffield United frontman is adamant the Watford defender DID catch him as he bore down on goal.

And, to rub salt into the home fans wounds, the former England Under 21 then popped up with a priceless winner to turn up the heat on second-placed Bolton.

"I don't like to see other pros get sent off, to be honest, but I didn't dive because he did catch me and he was the last man." said Bent.

"I thought it was a bit harsh and I had some sympathy for him.

"But once the ref's made his decision what can you do?

"I can't do anything about it after that."

On a night of high drama, Watford were forced to play the entire second half with nine men when striker Heidar Helguson also saw red for a second bookable offence.

But, though Rovers made heavy work of wrapping up a 1-0 victory, manager Graeme Souness was thrilled with the eventual outcome which now sets up a mouthwatering promotion battle with Bolton at the Reebok on Friday.

"This was a massive game for us but so will every other game be massive for us between now and the end of the season," said Souness.

"The game never really got going, especially after the sendings off, because Watford were upset and it became a bit bitty after that.

"But the three points were always far more important than the performance for us.

"It's sometimes difficult playing against nine and 10 men because they tend to get all their men behind the ball and it's often hard to get a clear shot at goal.

"Matt Jansen had a couple of great chances early on to put us in front.

"But he's in the middle of one of those periods at the moment where he could have scored four or five goals with better finishing and a bit more luck.

"So, hopefully, he's saving some up for Friday night."

Souness will now aim to create a siege mentality ahead of Friday's clash and the Rovers team stayed together in a hotel in Blackburn last night in a bid to create an extra togetherness.

And goal-hero Bent is in no doubt as to what the game means as the club close in on the second automatic promotion spot with just seven points now separating them and Wanderers with Rovers still having two games in hand. "It's a massive game on Friday now," said Bent. Every game is important at the moment and there's a lot of pressure on.

"We set out to be in the Premiership and we've got to win every game. We can't afford to drop points if we want to play with the best.

"So we've got to prove ourselves between now and May.

"From the chairman, to the gaffer, to the boys -- we all expect a lot. And we're desperately trying not to let anyone down and do as well as we can."