‘HUGELY disappointed’ Gary Bowyer was left to rue the three key moments he believes led to Blackburn Rovers losing to bitter rivals Burnley for the first time in 35 years.

Top scorer Jordan Rhodes put Rovers ahead in yesterday’s enthralling East Lancashire derby at Ewood Park before missing a gilt-edged opportunity to double his and his team’s tally.

Bowyer admitted that was a huge turning point.

But the Rovers boss was also disappointed by the way his side allowed Jason Shackell a free run to equalise and also their defending for the Danny Ings goal which earned the Clarets an historic 2-1 victory.

Bowyer said: “I am hugely disappointed to have lost the game, I thought it was harsh on us.

“It’s been decided by fine margins. Jordan Rhodes went through when it was 1-0 and hit the post.

“But then we’re disappointed with the manner of the two goals that we’ve conceded.”

Rovers, who made five changes and handed a full debut to Michael Keane and a home debut to Luke Varney, were accused of lacking passion by their manager in the 4-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers eight days earlier.

But Bowyer could not level that accusation yesterday.

He said: “I was pleased with how our lads have reacted and how we kept going.

“We had three half-chances at the end and Tom Heaton saved them.”