Cottagers run riot over Rovers

FULHAM returned to winning ways courtesy of Clint Dempsey’s double as Blackburn failed to provide Sam Allardyce with another Premier League victory during his absence for heart surgery.

Rovers boss Allardyce is scheduled have an operation on a coronary artery and could be back next week – and despite the scoreline he is certain to highlight the clash at Craven Cottage as a missed opportunity.

Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson did not have a save to make until Erik Nevland squeezed a finish in at the near post after 43 minutes, and the game was still up for grabs until Dempsey tapped in with 23 minutes remaining. He then grabbed his second before the end meaning the visitors failed to build on their win over Bolton at the weekend.