Jon Dahl Tomasson credited his players’ conditioning as they turned in an all-action display to see off Sheffield United.

Tomasson’s side were good value for the victory, a fifth in a row in all competitions, in what was a 10th game in 32 days.

Their pressing proved too much at times for the Blades, while their pace in attack caused problems all afternoon, and the margin of victory could have been even bigger.

In the end, Harry Pickering's goal, rounding off a fine counter-attack, proved to be the difference, and Rovers will now enjoy the rarity of a midweek off.

“It’s been a tough time with the schedule and all these games and away games,” Tomasson said, after Rovers claimed a 12th home win of the season.

“Being able to play with that intensity, a big credit to all the lads, they did an excellent job.

“A big shift in that way.

“I’m extremely pleased, it was an excellent game against a very good side.

“The way we dealt with things, sometimes it was a physical battle and we did that when we needed to

“But the way we played football, we created chances, hit the woodwork twice and heard a great Ewood.

“February was an excellent month and March has started well.”

Rovers backed up their impressive FA Cup win at Leicester City with an equally fine display against the Blades to make it four successive league wins.

“It’s been a brilliant week, we’re very pleased with the win and to play at this level after the Leicester game,” Tomasson said.

“The way we dealt with it, we took the physical battle that we needed and played some great football.

“The quality they have, you always know they can be dangerous, but we defended very well to get a clean sheet. It was a brilliant day.”

Tomasson made two changes from the midweek win, including recalls for John Buckley and Sorba Thomas.

That meant top scorer Ben Brereton was among the substitutes for a second successive league match after first missing out through injury, and then being cup tied for the Leicester City win.

Tyrhys Dolan kept his place on the left and rewarded Tomasson’s faith with an assist on his 100th league appearance.

“I think if you look at the performances of who started, they deserved to play. Ben has done a brilliant job for the club,” Tomasson added.

“We know he has been fatigued as well and played every game. He will be back soon.”

Rovers’ win temporarily moved them up to third in the table, only to be overtaken by Middlesbrough after their 5-0 rout of Reading in their 3pm kick-off.

It closed the gap to second-placed Sheffield United to just six points, although Tomasson continues to shut down any talk around the league table.

“There is a second spot in the league, we are not looking at that,” he added.

“We all know that we should not be around that position, but we are always allowed to dream and we will chase every moment.

“As I’ve said before, if we don’t manage to get to the play-offs then we won’t be disappointed because we are realistic about where we are as a club to be sustainable over time.”