Kean: Massive three points

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Blackburn Rovers 3-1 Fulham

Ten-man Blackburn claimed three valuable points courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Fulham at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon.

Fulham started the better of the two sides and Bobby Zamora enjoyed the first real chance of the contest when he met Philippe Senderos’ cross, but saw his header graze the woodwork.

With 22 minutes gone, Rovers were dealt a major blow when Yakubu was given his marching orders for a high challenge on Danny Murphy.

Fulham looked to take advantage of their numerical supremacy and it took a superb save from Paul Robinson to keep out Senderos’ header as the keeper scooped the ball away.

With half-time fast approaching the home side took the lead against the run-of-play through Morten Gamst Pedersen, the Norwegian curling a free-kick around the wall and into the back of the net.

Rovers doubled their advantage just after the break when David Dunn drilled the ball low into the net after David Goodwillie’s initial strike was blocked.

On 56 minutes the Cottagers grabbed a foothold in the game when former Rover Damien Duff slid the ball into the bottom corner.

Martin Jol’s side pushed for an equaliser but Steve Kean’s men weathered the storm and re-established their two-goal cushion on 79 minutes. Stephen Nzonzi’s delicate chip found Mauro Formica who beat the offside trap before firing home.

The win sees Rovers move out of the drop zone, although Wigan and QPR below them have a game in hand. Fulham, meanwhile, remain in the bottom half in 14th.