Benni sends Fulham deeper into mire

AFP - 21 April 2007 19:40

Benni McCarthy, seen here in March 2007, grabbed a second-half equaliser for Blackburn to extend Fulham´s winless run to nine matches and ensure the spectre of relegation looms larger for the west London club.

LONDON (AFP) - Benni McCarthy grabbed a second-half equaliser for Blackburn to extend Fulham's winless run to nine matches and ensure the spectre of relegation looms larger for the west London club.

With clashes against Arsenal and Liverpool in their final three matches, this result means the Cottagers were left just three points clear of the drop zone -- and they only have themselves to blame after squandering an early lead in front of a home crowd that did its best to inspire them to victory.

On-loan striker Vincenzo Montella, the 'Little Airplane', ensured a flying start after being drafted in instead of Heidar Helguson.

The Italian's 10th minute strike was a typical poacher's effort but it owed much to Senegal midfielder Papa Bouba Diop's power in the air.

Diop's huge leap allowed him to connect with a corner from Wales midfielder Simon Davies and his header was bound for the net before Montella stuck out a leg and touched the ball over the line for his fifth goal since his January move from Roma.

Blackburn always looked like getting back into the match, however, and Antti Niemi made the first of several crucial saves in the 22nd minute when he flipped a long-range free-kick from Morten Gamst Pedersen over the bar -- although his contact was missed by referee Graham Poll, who awarded a goal-kick.

The home side had another let-off four minutes later when the lively David Bentley whipped in a trademark cross from the right that Liam Rosenior headed towards his own goal, forcing Niemi to produce a dive to touch the ball onto the woodwork.

Jason Roberts was next to threaten, bursting clear of the Fulham back four and beating Niemi, only to see Zat Knight get back and clear the ball off the line.

Blackburn continued to press after the break and, after McCarthy had rattled an effort against the crossbar, Niemi produced a fine double save to deny Pedersen before the inevitable equaliser arrived in the 61st minute.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock got clear of Rosenior on the left and sent over a low cross that McCarthy finished off from six yards out.

Fulham mounted a predictable late push for maximum points but Blackburn were not unduly troubled by attacks lacking any real cutting edge.

The draw ensured a first point for new manager Lawrie Sanchez but, on this evidence, the Northern Ireland boss could well be plying his trade in the Championship next season.