Blackburn Rovers boss Owen Coyle hailed his team after they bounced back from a disappointing Championship opener to defeat Mansfield Town in the League Cup on Tuesday.
Rovers were given a rude awakening when Norwich City stormed to a 4-1 success at Ewood Park in Saturday’s league opener.
A trip to the One Call Stadium to face League Two Mansfield was a potential banana skin for Coyle’s side but they emerged with a relatively comfortable 3-1 success.
Irish duo Anthony Stokes and Shane Duffy did the damage for Coyle’s side.
Former Celtic striker Stokes fired his side ahead before the break and, after Mitchell Rose had levelled quickly after the interval, Duffy and Stokes scored two in two minutes to seal Rovers passage into round two.
For Coyle, it was a pleasing night as he watched his troops control the game for long spells and react quickly when Rose headed the home side on terms. “Overall I was delighted, cup ties are always tricky games,” said Coyle afterwards.
“I felt we controlled the game and looked dangerous every time we went on the forward.
“We allowed them back into it in the second half, although it was a great header from the lad, but our reaction was great, we’ve scored three goals tonight and truth be told we could have had five or six.”
Rovers now await Wednesday’s draw for round two where 13 Premier League sides enter the equation.
For Coyle, it was important that his team lifted their performance levels after the disappointment of being three goals down to Norwich by half-time in their league opener.
“We took control and passed and moved it we showed we are a good side and it was good to show a positive reaction from the weekend when we all knew that we didn’t get anywhere near the level,” he added.
Blackburn are 3.75 to get their first league win of the season when they go to Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
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