McCarthy rediscovers scoring touch

Blackburn 2 Fulham 0:  Benni McCarthy re-discovered his scoring touch as Blackburn returned to winning ways against Fulham at Ewood Park.

While manager Mark Hughes has seen his team progress in the Uefa Cup they have tumbled down the league.

But thanks to McCarthy's first goal since October - the other came from Shabani Nonda - Blackburn chalked up their first league win in eight games.

Nonda put them ahead with only six minutes on the clock and Fulham could have few complaints about the result.

He got on the end of a long ball from Stephane Henchoz and with defender Zat Knight standing off him, he flicked it beyond Fulham goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, making his league debut.

It was only Nonda's second goal of the season after he arrived on loan from Roma.

And it was just the boost Blackburn needed. Four minutes later Morten Gamst Pedersen got on the end of a cross from Lucas Neill only to head wide at the far post.

Fulham, after their superb victory against Arsenal, looked off the pace in the early stages of the game.

Blackburn went 2-0 ahead in the 23rd minute with the visitors again defending poorly.

McCarthy took up a good position in the penalty area and fired in a shot which took a deflection off Ian Pearce and left the unfortunate Lastuvka stranded.