BLACKBURN Rovers' play-off hopes were dealt a blow this afternoon in a disappointing goalless draw at home to Leeds United.

The draw leaves Rovers still seven points adrift of the top six with Middlesbrough to play later in the evening against Millwall.

Rovers struggled to impose themselves as an attacking force in the opening 45 minutes, with Leeds enjoying the majority of the possession.

The visitors were unable to make the most of the ball though as they often lacked the final product to punish a sloppy Rovers display.

Tom Lees had a close range shot saved by goalkeeper Jake Kean, while Grant Hanley blocked from Ross McCormack.

At the other end, Colin Kazim-Richards went closest for the hosts with a shot from 18 yards that was parried away by Paddy Kenny.

Leeds should have been ahead soon after the restart after Steve Morison played Ross McCormack through on goal down the left.

The Leeds' midfielder never looked comfortable though and, after hesitating, he blasted well wide of Kean's goal.

Rovers' cause wasn't helped on 54 when Kazim-Richards limped out of the action with what looked like an ankle injury, to be replaced by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

The hosts were almost ahead against the run of play 61 when Murphy capitalised on hesitancy in the Leeds defence to play Rhodes through but, with just Kenny to beat, he curled wide from 18 yards.

Rhodes went close with a shot from 18 yards on 86, after a neat turn, but Rovers did little to suggest they could win the game.