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Fulham took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Boa Morte swung in a free-kick and Diop bundled the ball home over the line from close range.

Boa Morte made it 2-0 with a cool finish from Heidar Helguson's cross.

But Zat Knight's last-minute headed own goal gave Rovers hope and only a good save from Mark Crossley stopped Paul Dickov grabbing a late equaliser.

Boa Morte and Diop were returning to the Fulham midfield after suspension - and both played a key part in their side's victory - their fourth in a row at Craven Cottage.

Luis Boa Morte had another great game today, it's just a shame we didn't keep a clean sheet From Ken Have your say on 606

The duo were the shining stars of what was always going to be a blood and thunder midfield battle.

Blackburn made the brighter start but they struggled to turn their early possession into chances while Fulham were also finding little joy on their own forays forward.

The game's first clear-cut opening came in the 22nd minute when Boa Morte's chipped pass found Collins John running through the middle - and the Dutch striker's looping header brought a fine save from Brad Friedel.

That was the last goalmouth action for a while - until the game sprang into life just before half-time.

Blackburn should have taken the lead when Bentley's clever cross found Emerton unmarked at the far post - but he somehow nodded the ball wide of the target.

And Rovers paid the price for that miss soon afterwards when Andy Todd could not stop Boa Morte's free-kick from reaching Diop and the big midfielder swept the ball into the net.

Diop was forced off by a knock just after the start of the second-half, but some shocking Blackburn defending meant his side did not miss him.

On 51 minutes Helguson was able to make inroads down the right and his cross found Boa Morte in acres of space in the box.

He showed great composure in shaping to shoot - giving himself more time to pick his spot and fire past Friedel.

Blackburn's attempts to respond revolved around Morten Gamst Pedersen, who hit the bar with a powerful free-kick and also from a corner.

But it looked like the final half-hour of this game would be remembered for some bruising challenges from both sides.

The worst offences saw Lucas Neill clatter Boa Morte and Dickov upended by Knight as referee Mark Clattenburg booked eight players and struggled to keep control.

However Rovers persevered, and a clanger by Knight at the end of normal time handed them a lifeline.

He tried to nod away Dickov's cross but only succeeded in directing the ball past Crossley.

The stage was set for a grandstand finish and Dickov almost produced it deep in injury time - finding space to swivel and shoot in the box, only for Crossley to palm the ball away and make sure of his side's success.