After a promising start to the match by Fulham, it was Steve Kean’s side that took the lead just after the half hour mark, thanks to a wonder strike by Ruben Rochina (32 min) before Bobby Zamora brought Fulham level (38 min) before the break.

Despite dominating the game during the second half, with Danny Murphy and Clint Dempsey going agonisingly close to scoring, Fulham failed to find a winner and were forced to settle for a point, ending the day in 18th place with two Barclays Premier League points from four games.

Sunday’s match followed a two week break in Premier League action due to the recent international break, which of course was a period that saw Fulham make three new First Team signings on transfer deadline day.

Star signing, Bryan Ruiz, was handed his first start by Martin Jol on Sunday that certainly created an air of expectation and excitement around SW6 ahead of kick-off. Both teams and their supporters observed a one minute silence for those who tragically lost their lives in America a decade ago.

Whilst Bryan Ruiz grabbed the headlines before kick-off, it was Bobby Zamora, Clint Dempsey and Damien Duff that were Fulham’s star performers on Sunday, with Martin Jol’s team having to come from a goal behind in the first half.

It took seven minutes for Fulham to fashion the first clear chance of the game, with Steve Sidwell shooting agonisingly wide of Robinson’s near post with a fine strike, following some impressive wing play down the right hand side from Damien Duff.

Blackburn responded three minutes later when Goodwillie twisted and turned in the box to fire towards goal. Fortunately his effort lacked any bite to test Schwarzer who collected the ball with ease.

After 19 minutes Jol was forced to make his first substitution of the match. Aaron Hughes, who appeared to be injured, made way for Stephen Kelly at right back.

Just sixty seconds later the game erupted into controversy when Zamora appeared to be pushed in the area by Salgado. Zamora’s opportunity on goal came after he intercepted Scott Dann’s attempted back pass. The Fulham striker then appeared to be tripped by Salgado in the area, but referee Howard Webb waved Fulham's penalty appeals away.

Just as the home side looked to be getting a grip on the contest their positive start was undone after 32 minutes when Spanish striker Ruben Rochina earned Blackburn the lead thanks to a stunning strike from 25 yards, from Junior Hoilett's cutback, that flew into the top corner of the net.

Martin Jol’s side were in for a tricky task against a defensively minded and well organised Blackburn side. However it took just six minutes for Fulham to find a response, with Bobby Zamora producing a fine finish to bring Fulham level seven minutes before the break.

It was Danny Murphy who turned creator for Zamora, playing the striker through on the right hand side of the area. Zamora brushed his way past his marker before firing a left footed strike across goal to score from the tightest of angles and bring the game level before half time.

Brian Ruiz’ afternoon only lasted 45 minutes on Sunday, with manager Martin Jol replacing the attacking midfielder at half-time. Belgium international Mousa Dembele replaced Ruiz, with Damien Duff moving to right midfield and Dembele joining Zamora up front.

Fulham took a more attacking approach to proceedings during the second half, with Duff firing in the first shot of the second period seconds after kick-off, but his speculative 20 yard drive from the right flank flew harmlessly wide.

Blackburn responded immediately with Goodwillie striking a tame drive from the edge of the area. Blackburn Captain David Dunn was replaced by Radosav Petrovic after 52 minutes as heavy rain swept across Craven Cottage.

As the hour mark approached the game opened up with both teams coming close to taking a crucial advantage. Hoilett, a constant threat with his pace and trickery down the left flank, skipped past two defenders in Fulham’s area before appearing to trip up as he prepared a finish to his fine run.

Fulham immediately countered and caught Blackburn’s defence cold. Riise burst down the left flank and delivered a glorious cross that Givet somehow cleared away with a last ditch intervention that denied Zamora a certain goal at the far post.

Fulham upped the ante as the final ten minutes of the game approached with the crowd sensing a goal. Clint Dempsey and Danny Murphy went agonisingly close as Fulham attacked in waves. Martin Jol looked to increase the pressure by making an attacking change, introducing Andrew Johnson for John Arne Riise.

Blackburn, to their credit, held firm despite being put under severe pressure late on. In fact Steve Kean’s side almost caught Fulham on the counter when Hoilett burst through the home side’s defence and bravely leapt against Schwarzer for the ball. In a clear fifty-fifty challenge Hoilett came off worse and there was great concern as the player was stretchered from the field of play.

Thankfully Hoilett was given a clean bill of health after the match as both teams ended the day with a point to show for their efforts. Fulham will feel disappointed not to have claimed a home victory after dominating for lengthy spells during the second half.

Martin Jol’s side have two home games in the space of a week coming up, with a return to UEFA Europa League action against FC Twente on Thursday night before a challenging encounter against high flying Manchester City on Sunday.

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