BLACKBURN Rovers struggled to break down a stubborn Fulham defence during a low-key first half at Ewood Park.

With heavy rain making conditions underfoot difficult, Rovers failed to make much of an impression going forwards against the lowly Londoners, who are one of three clubs yet to win away from home in the Premier League this season.

Fulham goalkeeper Kasey Keller was only extended once in the entire half, and even then he was only required to make a routine save from Zurab Khizanishvili, who should have been more precise with a free header from a David Bentley corner.

Khizanishvili was arguably lucky to still be on the field at that point having pulled back Eddie Johnson as the last man when the Fulham striker raced through in the 11th minute.

But referee Mike Riley, who sent off four players in the game between Hull and Burnley in midweek, kept his red card in his top pocket on this occasion.

After that, Rovers had the better of what few half chances there was.

Roque Santa Cruz burst through on the right but delayed his shot for too long and was dispossessed by a defender.

Then 30 seconds later, the Paraguayan played a one-two with Benni McCarthy but a Fulham defender got back to make a crucial interception.

Rovers: Friedel, Ooijer, Khizanishvili, Samba, Warnock, Bentley, Reid, Tugay, Pedersen, McCarthy, Santa Cruz. Subs: Dunn, Derbyshire, Mokoena, Roberts, Brown Fulham: Keller, Stalteri, Hangeland, Andreasen, Hughes, Konchesky, Davies, Bullard, Murphy, Dempsey, Johnson. Subs: McBride, Healy, Volz, Bocanegro, Niemi Referee: Mr M Riley (West Yorkshire)