West Bromwich Albion 0-2 Blackburn Rovers: Makhtar Gueye scores twice as visitors win without John Eustace in the dugout

Blackburn did not miss wantaway manager John Eustace's presence on the touchline after Makhtar Gueye scored a second-half double in a 2-0 win at fellow Championship play-off chasers West Brom.

Blackburn travelled to the Hawthorns without their boss as talks between him and Derby continued after Rovers "reluctantly granted" him permission to speak to the Rams, with the Lancashire club delivering a spirited victory under first-team coach David Lowe.

The first period failed to impress with Torbjorn Heggem coming closest with a header which crashed off the woodwork, but the second half sprung into life.

Rovers put the turbulence at Ewood Park to the back of their minds as Gueye took his league goal tally for the season to five, either side of two disallowed West Brom strikes, as Blackburn leapfrogged their opponents and solidified their top-six status.

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The Blackburn fans were quick to let their boss know what they think of the current situation with chants of "are you watching John Eustace?"

It took 20 minutes for the hosts to finally come out of their shell, with Mikey Johnston digging out a cross and finding Adam Armstrong but he was denied a goal against his former club by Aynsley Pears before Heggem nodded onto the post a minute later.

Rovers came forward with a warning shot of their own as Tyrhys Dolan decided to have a crack from distance but Joe Wildsmith was more than equal to it.

Blackburn wanted a penalty with the first action of the second half when Mason Holgate bundled Gueye over inside the area but referee David Webb waved away the protests.

It did not matter though as the away side struck a minute later.

John Buckley's deep corner was headed by Dominic Hyam into the path of Gueye who swung and hit a first-time volley which proved too powerful for Wildsmith.

Blackburn were inches away from doubling their advantage when Dolan fed Gueye through on goal and he whacked a rocket off the underside of the crossbar which bounced off the line and away from danger.

The Baggies thought they were on level terms when Armstrong finished from close range but Webb's whistle cut celebrations short after the striker pushed Hyam in the back.

West Brom had the ball in the back of the net again but it was cancelled out as Tottenham loanee Will Lankshear just drifted into an offside position before he nudged home.

The hosts were made to pay as Blackburn doubled their advantage in the 63rd minute. Lewis Travis' teasing ball into the box was touched back into the area by Andreas Weimann and Gueye was ready and waiting to dispatch high beyond Wildsmith.

The managers

West Brom's Tony Mowbray:

"I just spoke to Danny Batth who said they were galvanised.

"All the players were together and sensed it in the dressing room before, they were right up for this football match because of the adversity they've been through.

"There has been a lot of talk and it galvanised their group. It looked like it did because they worked extraordinarily hard.

"They're good at what they do. I've got a soft spot for Blackburn, not to the point where I'm happy they win, but I can see the qualities of what they've got."

Blackburn's first-team coach David Lowe

"It's been a difficult week when you lose your head coach and two assistants.

"But, they've (the players) been a credit really, to come to a place like this who don't lose many games, they were a credit to the club and themselves. They knuckled down and gave it a right good go.

"It's been difficult because John (Eustace), Keith (Downing) and Matt (Gardiner) work hard and I was sad to see them go.

"It was sad from that aspect but it's football. Coaches come and go, it's the game we're in. It's been difficult but all the players and staff were focused and that's all I could ask for.

"I thought they were really good in the warm-up and sometimes you get a feel for the players who are a little bit down or sulky.

"But these guys tonight I thought they were up for it and wanted to show what they can do.

"They've got some strong characters in there. I'm not too concerned about the character. They are top-class guys and as long as I'm in charge I'll try get a tune out of them."

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