DOMINIC Samuel admitted there was a strong feeling amongst the Rovers squad leading up to the Bradford City game that they could be the team to end the Bantams’ long unbeaten home record.

Blackburn became the first team since March 2016 to leave Valley Parade with all three points, a run which stretched 31 games.

Samuel’s third goal in as many games proved decisive as Rovers picked up their first win of the season and bounced back from a disappointing opening two league games.

“Training was good in the week and there was a good feeling around the changing room that we could perform well and get a win and we did,” the 23-year-old said.

“The training was intense. We had been doing shape work from early in the week, working on our pressing. We had a game-plan to shut them down and it came off.

“They hadn’t lost at home in a while so it was important that we went there and be the team that stopped them and that’s what we did.

“There’s a lot of pressure on us but sometimes it can take a while to get used to a new league. It showed that the tables have turned and hopefully we can start performing like that every week and this can be a successful season.

“We have had a taste of what League One is like, it wasn’t nice losing but we took that on board and have really kicked on.

“It was a great place to do it and it was a massive bonus to go there and get the win.”

Samuel, preferred to Danny Graham in attack, scored the only goal of the game three minutes after the re-start, heading in a left-wing cross from Craig Conway.

And he admits his eyes lit up when he saw the ball being delivered from the boot of Conway as he got across his man to find the corner with a header.

He added: “It was a great ball from him and as a striker you should always be in the six yard box, especially when you have got players with great delivery in the team.

“You should feed off them and you have to be in the right place at the right time and be hungry for goals.

“You don’t stop, you keep going.

“It feels great (to get the winner) but the team played well.

“We need to keep that going and hopefully this can be the starting point for a successful season.”

Next up for Rovers is the small matter of an East Lancashire derby against Burnley in the Carabao Cup second round at Ewood Park on Wednesday.

It will be Samuel’s first taste of the atmosphere associated with the derby, but he’s looking forward to Rovers giving another good account of themselves.

“We are going to go in to Wednesday and play with no fear, whatever team the gaffer puts out,” he said.

“We are going to perform well as a team and for the fans as well.

“It will be another tough battle, but we don’t fear any team and hopefully we can get another win.”