Paul Lambert conceded the penalty decision given against his side in the defeat to Rovers was the correct call.

A Danny Graham spot-kick and Joe Nuttall tap-in saw Rovers make it three consecutive Championship wins for the first time in almost four years.

Ipswich defender Callum Elder tripped Adam Armstrong for the penalty, awarded by referee Darren England, before Armstrong squared for Nuttall for 2-0.

Lambert, making his first return to Ewood Park since leaving in 2016, faces a tough task to keep his side in the division as they sit seven points from safety.

“It was a penalty. Callum got caught on the wrong side,”  Lambert told  his club's website.

“There was nothing in the game up until then but what disappointed me was that we didn’t do enough to get back in the match.

“Some of that is down to fitness levels. We are trying everything to turn things around.

“We know we need to get some momentum and start getting a run of results and we have to go again next week.”

Rovers had chances to take the lead before they did, with Jack Rodwell hitting the post, and Danny Graham and Elliott Bennett both passing up good chances. 

Joe Rothwell was denied by the woodwork, while Bradley Dack went close several times as the hosts looked to extend their lead.

Ipswich fans travelling on the official supporters’ coach to the game were greeted by a personalised letter, signed by Lambert who said he would personally refund the £37 they had spent to travel to the game at a cost of around £2,000.

On the decision, Lambert said: “That was just a thanks from me to them for all the support we’ve received as staff and a team,” explained Lambert.

“From the first day I walked in the door they’ve been brilliant for me, they really have. The support we get is incredible. It’s not normal this situation where you’re at the bottom of the table and they keep coming and keep that vocal support.

“I don’t think it was too much for me to pay for that. And it’s not a PR stunt, not at all. If that was the case I’d have done it at every club I was at. And if I’d have done that I’d have been skint.

“It’s the first time I’ve done it, but I felt I owed it to them for the support. It’s a great club that just needs a little bit of help. I’ll give everything I’ve got for them.”

Ipswich could have had a penalty of their own in the first half, only for striker for Will Keane to stay on his feet after rounding David Raya.

And Lambert added: "I thought they started better than us. Then we started to come into the game and looked pretty lively.

"Will was through and I think there's a clip on him but he tried to stay on his feet and score. Would I have done it (gone down)? Yes. A lot of players would. He tried to stay on his feet, and that's the decision he made.

"I don't think we did enough after that. The game was really tight, but I don't think we did enough after they scored to get back in it.

"The two goals are carbon copy kind of pass that has got inside him (Callum Elder). That said, the goals were well taken from their point of view.

"I can't ask any more effort and commitment. There's nothing really in the game. We look a decent side and we just need that little run of momentum. You've got to keep bouncing on. We're disappointed because I just don't think we did enough."