THE fabulous five games that mattered most to Rovers.

WIMBLEDON at Selhurst Park, Wednesday, October 18, 2000:

This became a must win game from the moment Rovers lost 2-1 to Fulham on the previous Sunday to slip down to 15th in the table -- their lowest point position of the season.

Another crushing defeat against the Dons would have come as a major psychological blow at a time when pre-season optimism was in danger of disappearing altogether.

However, Rovers showed tremendous character to grind out a hard-fought 2-0 victory, capped by a stunning strike from Garry Flitcroft.

That then provided the launch-pad for a run of six straight wins -- a winning sequence which turned the whole season around.

BIRMINGHAM at Ewood, Tuesday, December 26, 2000:

Birmingham arrived at Ewood brimming with confidence, boasting a two-point lead over their Lancashire rivals.

And Trevor Francis's stifling tactics left Rovers looking increasingly frustrated until Matt Jansen suddenly made a spectacular entrance on the hour mark.

The former England Under 21 international lit-up a dour contest with a wonder goal four minutes after coming on as a second half substitute.

Then, when Darren Purse looked to have rescued a point for the visitors with an 88th minute equaliser, Jansen saved the day again with an injury time winner -- a result which saw Rovers leapfrog the Blues in the First Division table.

BOLTON WANDERERS, at The Reebok, Friday, February 23, 2001:

Rovers went to the Reebok knowing it was win or bust with Wanderers boasting a seven point lead in the race for second spot.

And Graeme Souness's promotion-chasers turned on the style in front of watching England boss Sven Goran Erikkson. Marcus Bent set the ball rolling with a killer blow right on the stroke of half-time.

And further second half goals from David Dunn, Matt Jansen and Craig Hignett set Rovers fans dreaming of a Premiership return.

BIRMINGHAM, at St Andrews, Wednesday, March 14, 2001:

Bubbling Birmingham were the form side of the division going into this clash after five straight victories had seen them move above Rovers into third.

But Graeme Souness celebrated his first anniversary at Ewood in style after Rovers silenced St Andrews with a thumping 2-0 win.

Marcus Bent fired the visitors in front with a typically opportunist strike four minutes before the break.

Then Damien Duff gift-wrapped the points with a stunning solo strike just after half-time.

Rovers moved above the Blues as a result and Trevor Francis's men dropped off the pace after that.

BURNLEY, at Ewood, Sunday, April 1, 2001:

Rovers kicked off a hectic schedule of nine games in 29 days against a Burnley side intent on revenge.

But they made the perfect start to their biggest month of the season with this crushing 5-0 win.

Craig Short set the ball rolling with his first goal in four years.

And, after a Steve Davis own goal put Rovers 2-0 up at the interval, a Matt Jansen brace and a late strike from Craig Hignett completed the rout.

That result took Rovers into second place for the first time since the opening day of the season -- a major psychological blow at such a crucial time in the season.