There’s a school of thought that should Rovers have gone 2-0 up on Saturday they would ultimately have lost, writes Simon Smith.

Let me explain.

The theory I heard goes along the lines of 2-0 being a “dangerous lead” and that once Britt Assombalonga had scored his excellent goal a second would inevitably have followed as Rovers retreated.

And eventually a third. Maybe a fourth.

As it was, the 10 men erred slightly on the side of caution lest Rovers snatch a breakaway goal.

I don’t entirely buy this (Rovers may well have snatched a breakaway at 2-1. It’s all fantasy isn’t it?) but it does show just how nervy Rovers fans are when, as all our wins and draws have been, the score is tight. I guess old habits die hard!

Whether this translates to the pitch is a matter for the players to address, but some are still getting used to the fact that Rovers fans are deep thinking and contemplative rather than blindly bellowing vessels.

That’s not to say that Rovers fans aren’t boisterously vocal at times and once more they were deservedly cheered from the Riverside rafters on Saturday.

The visit of Birmingham appears to offer some respite before games against four of the current top five.

Yet it is vital Rovers seize three points from it.

The resulting four games will be tough, but Rovers seem to look more comfortable against good attacking teams who will play football.

Six points would be a decent haul but wins are paramount in this division where so many draws are shared by teams fearful of losing as almost every game is a ‘six-pointer’ so tight is the points scoring.

In the top half, only six points from the play-offs looks inviting yet should Rovers still be 12 or more points away from the relegation places come January then it could be the right time for spending for the big push.

I don’t think Rovers would benefit from going up this season should they make the squeak into the play-offs, but a further progression this season would leave us beginning the next one poised for attack.