Blackburn moved out of the relegation zone with a splendid win while defeat all but cancelled Wimbledon's slim hopes of a place in Europe.

The psychological boost came just as Brian Kidd's side had endured a run of five games without a win and had slipped into the bottom three.

Ashley Ward's fourth goal of the season and Matt Jansen's second and third in the famous blue and white halved shirts ensured Rovers had the three points tied up in the first 30 minutes.

And for striker Chris Sutton, it was the perfect end to a fantastic personal week which started with his recall to the England squad.

The former Norwich man was involved in Rovers' opening two goals as the chant of 'Sutton For England' echoed around Ewood.

Jason Euell scored a consolation for the Dons halfway through the second period but the home side had already assured themselves of victory with their devastating first-half blitz.

Wimbledon, playing without Joe Kinnear who is still recovering from his heart problems, were a spent force by half-time after Rovers' amazing first period display which earned a standing ovation at the break.

Sutton forced a great save from Neil Sullivan as early as the second minute when he connected with a Jason Wilcox corner. But Scottish international Sullivan stood tall and pushed the ball over the crossbar.

Ward should have opened the scoring for Blackburn in the fifth minute but he failed to get his foot to Wilcox's cross with the goal gaping.

But three minutes later, Ward atoned for his error. Sutton found Matt Jansen on the left and the striker crossed low and Ward hit home from five yards.

Just 10 minutes later, Rovers fans had more to shout about when Sutton lobbed Dario Marcolin's excellent ball goalwards.

Jansen chased in along with Kimble and Thatcher and it was eventually Dons' left-back Kimble, who looked to have pushed the ball over his own line but referee Willard awarded the goal to the former Crystal Palace man at half-time.

Wimbledon were left reeling as Rovers threatened to overwhelm the visitors and in the 26th minute, the home side were three goals to the good.

Ward looked set to add his second of the game but hit his strike against Sullivan. Wimbledon failed to clear the rebound and Jansen pounced to drive home Blackburn's third goal.

Rovers were playing with supreme control and the Dons were under constant threat with the home side in fantastic form.

And Rovers' goalkeeper John Filan finally made his bow in the game in the 32nd minute - but only to collect a tame cross from Neal Ardley.

Dons' co-coaches Mick Harford and David Kemp made two changes at the break to prevent any further humiliation with the ineffective Hartson and Ardley swapped for Efan Ekoku and Ceri Hughes.

But although the changes settled the game down, they appeared to be a case of too little, too late for the visitors.

Johnson cut a swathe diagonally through the Wimbledon half four minutes after the break but Wilcox could not find his own way through on goal after accepting the Irish youngster's pass on the left flank.

Blackburn were still finding gaps in the Dons' defence and Johnson almost found Ward clear in the six-yard area before Blackwell intervened.

And Sutton - desperate to celebrate his recall to the England squad with a goal - hooked over another chance from a Ward cross seconds later.

Jansen was offered a standing ovation from the Ewood Park crowd when he left the field for Damien Duff in the 57th minute - an accolade he deserved for a magnificent performance.

The departure of the Rovers' danger man inspired a little hope in Wimbledon and captain Robbie Earle forced an effective, if comfortable save from Filan on the hour when his bicycle-kick connected with a Kimble free-kick.

But Ekoku was lucky to escape a red card in the 61st minute when he clattered Stephane Henchoz. Needless to say, the home crowd were not impressed with referee Gary Willard's decision to brandish a yellow instead.

But the Dons gave themselves a lifeline five minute later through an excellent Euell strike.

Michael Hughes hit a perfectly timed cross for the striker who fired home on the volley from six yards.

But this was to be Blackburn's afternoon in a game which could prove decisive come Decision Day in May.

Teams

Blackburn: Filan, Davidson, Peacock, Henchoz, Sutton, Wilcox (Gillespie 81), Marcolin, Johnson (Taylor 90), Ward, Jansen (Duff 56), McAteer.

Subs Not Used: Davies, Fettis.

Booked: Davidson.

Goals: Ward 7, Jansen 18, 26.

Wimbledon: Sullivan, Cunningham, Kimble, Blackwell, Thatcher, Earle, Gayle, Ardley (C. Hughes 45), M. Hughes, Euell, Hartson (Ekoku 45).

Subs Not Used: Roberts, Kennedy, Heald.

Booked: Thatcher, Ekoku.

Goals: Euell 65.

Att: 21,754

Ref: G Willard (Worthing).