BENNI McCarthy's last-ditch header saved a point for Blackburn Rovers on a rainy evening at Ewood.

The South African powered home Vince Grella's corner in the third minute of injury time, with Rovers' goalkeeper Paul Robinson also challenging for the ball.

Afonso Alves had earlier stunned Ewood Park as his 73rd minute strike punished Rovers' wasteful finishing.

The Middlesbrough striker fired home from 20 yards, taking advantage of some hesitant defending.

Rovers enjoyed the majority of possession but struggled to break down Gareth Southgate's resolute side.

Carlos Villanueva saw a snap-shot go wide early in the second half but Rovers struggled to turn their possession into clear chances.

Benni McCarthy replaced Matt Derbyshire with just over 20 minutes remaining and soon after headed Villanueva's left wing cross wide.

Middlesbrough stunned the hosts though when they took the lead on 73 minutes, Afonso Alves shooting home from 20 yards from a loose ball.

Roque Santa Cruz twice went close to giving Rovers a half time lead in an entertaining first 45 minutes at Ewood Park.

The Paraguayan hit a post and had a close range header tipped over as Paul Ince's men played some flowing football in heavy rain.

Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough could have taken the lead themselves though, with Tuncay unfairly flagged offside after volleying home on 24 minutes.

Jeremie Aliadiere also hit a bar for the visitors after springing Rovers' offside trap.