Blackburn boss Paul Lambert was delighted to see his side secure a 2-1 victory over Preston on Saturday in his first match in charge.

A Jordan Pickford own goal and a penalty from Jordan Rhodes helped Rovers race into a two goal lead and they held their nerve in the closing stages after Joe Garner pulled a goal back for North End.

Rovers are now unbeaten in four matches and their new boss was particularly impressed with the attacking prowess his side showed against a team that had not conceded a goal in any of their last six games.

He said: “We played a terrific game of football. The atmosphere was great in the stadium and we scored two goals against a team that hadn’t conceded in six games. The team deserves so much credit for that and I think we looked a threat every time we went forward.”

The former Aston Villa manager was quick to praise his players for the victory and he admits that he has been impressed by how well the squad have adapted to his style since he was confirmed as boss on November 15.

He added: “I’ve asked the players to do a lot for me. We’ve trained a bit differently, which is no slight on Gary [Bowyer] at all, but I have my own way of training, everyone does, and the players have worked ever so hard to master that and it will take time.”

The Ewood Park outfit have now moved five points clear of the relegation zone and they are an outside bet at 21.00 to be relegated to the third tier for the first time since 1980 at the end of the campaign.