PAUL Lambert saluted a job well done as Blackburn Rovers cruised into the FA Cup fifth round with a 3-0 victory at giant-killers Oxford United yesterday.

Despite being 32 places lower down the Football League standings Michael Appleton’s men were the bookies’ favourites to progress having knocked Premier League Swansea City out of the third round.

But professional Rovers showed their Championship class to sweep aside the League Two high flyers with the minimum of fuss.

Ben Marshall opened the scoring from the penalty spot and rounded it off with a brilliant free kick after Tony Watt had marked his debut with a super solo strike.

Lambert was pleased with the performances produced by Watt and his strike-partner Simeon Jackson who won the penalty and was a constant thorn in Oxford’s side on his first start for the club.

Lancashire Telegraph:

But the Rovers boss was keen to stress that every member of his team deserved credit for putting the events of Friday behind them.

Top-scorer Jordan Rhodes pulled out of the squad after he was granted permission to talk to Middlesbrough.

And earlier in the day midfielder Hope Akpan picked up a knee injury which meant Rovers only were able to name six substitutes for the third time this season.

“From start to finish I thought we were brilliant,” said Lambert, who was also full of praise for two-goal hero Ben Marshall and centre-back Elliott Ward, who turned in an assured debut display after Shane Duffy was rested.

“After the things that went on yesterday, and after losing Hope as well, big compliment to them; they were fantastic.

“This was always going to be on a tricky game because of the Swansea win. There were some noises coming from here so it was good to come here and win the way we did. I thought we thoroughly deserved it.

“The first goal was great and Jackson was unplayable. He was terrific. It was a great ball from Tony to create the penalty and then Tony’s goal was terrific.

“That’s what he’s capable of. I just think he needs to get a bit fitter and get into our way of thinking. But it’s been a hectic few days for him and he’s only 22.

“But he’s an incredible talent that’s for sure.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Oxford boss Appleton, who was in charge of Rovers for just 67 days during the tumultuous 2012-13 season, had no complaints.

He said: “We knew it wouldn’t be easy and we came across a really strong outfit in Blackburn. We weren't surprised by them, we knew what they are about.

“We played a part in all their goals, which is disappointing. We were a little bit naive and it probably shows why we are still a League Two side. But we will learn from it.

“Jordan Rhodes’ absence was always going to be an opportunity for someone else and Tony Watt took his chance and got his goal.

“We are having a fantastic time this year but we are where we are for a reason. We just came up a bit short today.”