BLACKBURN Rovers secured a magnificent point at Stamford Bridge thanks to the inspirational Brad Friedel.

The veteran keeper was unquestionably the star of the show, pulling off several stunning saves to thwart the big-spending Blues and stretch Rovers' unbeaten record to 15 matches in all competitions.

Rovers competed well in the first half but they were indebted to Friedel for some inspired goalkeeping as Chelsea turned up the heat.

First, the big American produced an outstanding full-length stop to keep out a venomous drive from the impressive Michael Essien.

Then moments later, the Rovers keeper showed great awareness to dash off his line and thwart Andriy Shevchenko following another driving Essien run.

Shevchenko also headed over from a promising position, and Juliano Belletti warmed Friedel's fingertips with a daisycutter from distance.

It was far from one-way traffic, though, as Morten Gamst Pedersen went close at the other end with a fiercely struck volley just before the break.

Chelsea thought they had finally broken the deadlock in the 58th minute when Salomon Kalou popped up at the far post to finish off a Belletti cross but, much to Jose Mourinho's fury, the effort was chalked out by an offside flag.

After that, Rovers appeared to grow in confidence as an attacking force as first Chris Samba volleyed wide, then Robbie Savage forced an acrobatic save out of Cech.

Pedersen also had a strong shout for a penalty when he appeared to get caught by Jon Obi Mikel in the area, but referee Howard Webb took no action.

In the dying seconds, Friedel then came to Rovers' rescue again, brilliantly denying Shevchenko with an instinctive block at the back post, and in the melee that followed, Samba took a nasty whack on the head, which resulted in him being stretchered off.

Overall, it was an excellent team performance from Hughes' men, who deservedly maintained their impressive start to the season.

Chelsea: Petr Cech, Juliano Belletti, Alex, John Terry, Ashley Cole (Ben Haim, 89), Shaun Wright-Phillips (Malouda, 57), Essien, Sidwell (Mikel, 57), Joe Cole, Andriy Shevchenko, Salomon Kalou.

Rovers: Friedel, Emerton, Samba (Ooijer, 90), Nelsen, Warnock, Bentley, Dunn (Mokoena,81), Savage, Pedersen, McCarthy (Roberts, 68), Santa Cruz.

Referee: Mr H Webb