BLACKBURN Rovers were forced to settle for a point against Fulham this afternoon after a disappointing second half saw them drop two valuable points.

CHRIS Samba' flicked header gave Rovers a deserved half time lead against Mark Hughes' Fulham.

The Congolese defender flicked Paul Robinson's deep free-kick into the net, with the visitors claiming goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer had been fouled by El-Hadji Diouf. S chwarzer looked fragile though under the high ball all half, although Rovers struggled to create too many clear cut chances.

At the other end Moussa Dembele shot wide, while Paul Robinson tipped Carlos Salcido's curling effort wide.

It was a different story after the break though as Rovers struggled to find their game and it came as no surprise when Clint Dempsey headed home an equaliser on 56 minutes.

Mame Biram Diouf had a penalty appeal turned down late on for a push in the back while Benjani was inches away from converting Michel Salgado's cross.