Tyrhys Dolan capped off a near-perfect night for Rovers with a goal against his former team.

The only downside was there wasn’t a bank of Rovers fans in the away end to see his somersault celebration and celebrate three points, as well as a first win over North End since 2015.

It’s been a tough time for Rovers against their neighbours in recent years, having failed to win in their seven attempts before Tuesday night’s dominant display.

Tony Mowbray hoped the fans enjoyed watching it at home, but hopes by the time they are able to return to watch their side live, they will be doing so with a team who is winning plenty of Championship matches.

“It would have been nice because we haven’t had the best of times here,” Mowbray explained.

“We were 2-0 up at half-time last year and manage to lose the game.

“It would have been nice to have the fans here and celebrate with them, but hopefully they enjoyed it at home and in the not too distant future they can come back to Ewood.

“I hope the team by then, I have lots of selection issues, we’re winning games and they can get back to watching Blackburn Rovers winning matches regularly.”

Dolan came off the bench midway through the second half, his goal feeling all but inevitable as North End toiled against a Rovers side who looked in no mood to let up.

They opened the scoring from the penalty spot, as Adam Armstrong netted his 13th of the season, while after Ben Brereton made it 2-0 early in the second half, it was a keep-ball exercise for Mowbray’s men.

That included a fine third goal, topped off by teenager Dolan, with Mowbray delighted for the winger on his Deepdale return.

He added: “Then it was great for Tyrhys to finish things off with the third.

“It’s brilliant for him. He’s beaming in there, he’s an amazing kid I would have to say.

“He’s had a tough few weeks but he’s got a fantastic, enthusiastic, happy soul who is great on our training ground every day.

“Even when he’s not been playing over the last few weeks his enthusiasm and love for football is there, and evident to see.

“We’re delighted he’s part of our football club.”