Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray reckons his side were worthy of their late 2-1 victory against Rovers at the Stadium of Light.

Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men went ahead after 18 minutes when Ross Stewart headed Tyler Morton’s free kick into his own net.

But the hosts hit back through Stewart’s penalty moments later and substitute Ellis Simms completed the comeback in stoppage time.

Mowbray, who spent five years in the hot seat at Ewood Park, felt his side were “dominant” at times.

He told Sky Sports: “Mixed emotions. I’m happy for the team and happy for the supporters. Relief as well I think because we haven’t been firing on all cylinders at home.

“I think we work as hard as we did today but the fine margins have gone against us in a few games. Today we grafted and we got a late winner rather than a defeat. I think we were worthy of it.

“You can feel their quality as well. They are having a great season and have got some very good players.

“It felt as if we were on top first half. It felt as if we were dominant and we just needed to punish them and take our chances. Thankfully, Ellis came on and did just that.”

Rovers have now lost three of their four matches since the World Cup break ended.

Despite the result, Tomasson’s side remain third in the Championship table after fourth-place Watford were beaten by Millwall.

Meanwhile, Sunderland have kept the pressure on the sides in the play-off places as they aim to build on last season’s promotion from League One.

Rovers are back in action on Thursday night (7.45pm) when they welcome Middlesbrough to Ewood Park as the busy festive period continues.

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