Jonathan Woodgate had no complaints over the penalty awarded to Rovers but felt a ‘poor game’ should have ended all square.

Danny Graham scored from the spot after referee Jarred Gillett adjudged Anfernee Dijksteel guilty of grabbing hold of the striker’s shirt.

That successful spot-kick proved to be the winner, though Boro did go close to an equaliser in the second half when substitute Marcus Browne was denied by the post.

The result leaves Woodgate still looking for his first win since taking permanent charge, but he felt there was little between the sides at Ewood Park.

“I thought it was a poor game really from both teams," he said.

“I thought a draw would have been a fair result, I don’t think any team particularly dominated and like I say, football’s fine margins. They get the penalty and score, we hit the post late on.

“It was one of those games, but we need to really grind it out and get that result, a typical Championship game.

“You can’t always play well, but we move on and go again on Tuesday (against Wigan).

“I think it was a penalty, I could see from where I was. I’m not going to stand here and say I didn’t think it was, I’ll just be honest.

“I thought it was a penalty and the referee got it right.

“We need to do better in those situations.

“My players will keep on going and we’ll keep on working as hard as we can.

“I’ve said in the dressing room that I believe in every single one of them and my faith is 100 per cent behind them all.”

On the performance of Rovers, he added: “They did quite well and were quite direct, that’s when you’ve got to role your sleeves up and try to defend.”

Boro struggled to create opportunities, with Christian Walton not overly extended in the Rovers goal, apart from Browne hitting the post.

“We need to keep the ball better at times,” added Woodgate.

“In training you can see them playing, we need to show the courage in possession.

“It’s about being brave and getting on the ball and if you give it away get back on it, get it again if you make a mistake under intense pressure.

“First half we didn’t do it as well, second half we started to play but we need to do it better.”