BLACKBURN Rovers will have to stage a second half comeback similar to the one at Bolton last week if they are to extend their winning sequence to four matches in the Premier League.

Mark Hughes' side, who have gained more points from losing positions than any other club in the top-flight this season, once again left themselves with a mountain to climb after a soft goal from Middlesbrough's David Wheater left them trailing 1-0 at the break.

Both sides were slow to stamp their authority during a scrappy opening to this game, but Boro then snatched what could turn out to be a priceless goal in the 13th minute, when Rovers' defence switched off at a set-piece.

Stewart Downing curled in an inswinging free-kick and Wheater, who had escaped the clutches of Ryan Nelsen, headed powerfully past Brad Friedel at the far post.

After that, Rovers did plenty of pressing but failed to find a way past Boro keeper Mark Schwarzer.

The closest they came to an equaliser was a speculative drive from distance by Andre Ooijer which Schwarzer fumbled for a corner.

David Bentley, who was Rovers' most impressive performer during the opening 45 minutes, also went close with a couple of efforts from distance.

Rovers: Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Dunn, Pedersen, Roberts, Santa Cruz. Subs: McCarthy, Emerton, Derbyshire, Khizanishvili, Brown Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Huth, Wheater, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Boateng, Arca, Downing, Tuncay, Aliadiere. Subs: Riggott, Rochemback, Lee, Johnson, Turnbull Referee: Mr K Stroud