How do we make sense of this season, this team, this club ? Lurching from a club record home defeat straight into a run of results that has thrust the Rovers right into the heart of the play-off mix. 

The apparent contradictions that occur week after week serve only to confuse the fans - Lord alone knows what it does to the management or the players...or the opposition for that matter ?

How do you set up to counter this team ? Rovers fans cannot in all conscience predict with any confidence the line-up, the formation or the likely outcome and it is this that marks out this season as the emotional roller-coaster it is rapidly becoming.

Who amongst us can say with confidence that Rovers will remain in the race come next May ? Who amongst us can say Rovers will remain in the race come even the New Year ? The answer is nobody, least of all Tony Mowbray. Notwithstanding this, in the manner of an X Factor candidate (remember that kids ?) let's just enjoy the journey.

This afternoon's encounter was a battle against the elements, the opposition and dare I say it...the officials. There must have been many in the crowd and perhaps even on the field of play, who reckoned that this game would not reach a final whistle on 90 minutes. The ball stuck in the pitch, bounced irregularly and dared the participants to be bold. Fortune favours the brave they say ? Perhaps, but the first half was thin gruel in all respects. Passes going astray, tackles misjudged as the ball defied physics and of course...the influence of Gavin Ward.

Criticising referees is a rocky road upon which to ramble and due to the utter futility of the pursuit, not usually one to be indulged...but as with all rules, there are exceptions that need to be accommodated to give the rule validity. Today was one of those. Gavin Ward is quite possibly kind to little children and small furry animals but some of his interventions today beggared belief. 

"What can we do about it ?" ...well bluntly, absolutely nothing. The fans pay their money and Mr Ward makes his choice; it's just that some his choices today were shall we say, puzzling.

Notwithstanding this, the afternoon was ultimately one to savour. The phenomenon that is Ben Brereton-Diaz continues to terrorise Championship defences. The newly discovered confidence derived from his South American sojourns has transformed the gawky teenager into a beast. His goalscoring attracting attention from the Premier League and  La Liga. 

One suspects that he will not be of this parish in the long-term so we should enjoy him whilst we can. The cries of DIAZ ring around Ewood (...as once did SHEARER) and truly warm the heart of your cockle.

Can this continue through to May ? Who knows, but let's enjoy it whilst we can. This is a very likeable team - appreciate them !