Fulham 1 Blackburn 1: Fulham went nine matches without a win after fighting for a precious point in their bid to avoid relegation from the Premiership.

Lawrie Sanchez saw his side go ahead on his home debut in front of fired-up fans as on-loan Italian striker Vincenzo Montella claimed the goal. But Blackburn's Uefa Cup dream, boosted by their midweek win over Watford, was revived as Benni McCarthy slotted in his 21st goal of the season for a well-earned equaliser.

Fulham now have to face Arsenal and Liverpool in successive matches and their survival hopes are not looking good after Charlton, Sheffield United and West Ham picked up points. But they showed they have the fight and commitment to pull it off.

Montella's inclusion met with immediate approval from the Fulham fans even though his previous substitute appearances, after a purple patch of four goals in three games, had been unproductive since January.

The pocket-sized Roma veteran had also been sent off in an FA Cup tie against Tottenham and served a three-match suspension But buoyed by his presence, Fulham fans launched a barrage of noise from the first whistle which was rarely apparent under the previous management regime this season and were encouraged by some crisp tackling early on.

Antti Niemi comfortably kept out David Bentley's well-struck 35-yard free-kick in the opening minutes after a foul on Jason Roberts but the roof nearly came off Craven Cottage in the 10th minute when Fulham went ahead.

Montella claimed the goal even though it looked doubtful he managed a touch with a swinging foot after the giant Papa Bouba Diop rose above even taller Rovers defender Chris Samba to power in a header which bounced past a bemused Brad Friedel following a Simon Davies corner.

Montella ran away in triumph but it was clear from team-mates' reaction that they credited Diop's prodigious leap and firm contact.

Rovers were stunned and could not get a comeback going quickly because of erratic passing but there were alarms at the back for Fulham when Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick from the right had Niemi flapping behind a screen of players and glad to see the ball pass right through the penalty area to safety.

Blackburn controlled most of the second half, McCarthy rattling the crossbar and Niemi making a brave block and save from Pedersen's head and foot.

Stephen Warnock roared down the left, skipped past Rosenior and drilled in a low cross for McCarthy who popped up in the six-yard box to slot the ball home.

Fulham showed spirit and were roared on by their fans but it could have got worse. McCarthy was just offside when lashing past Niemi four minutes after his goal.

And the Finnish goalkeeper made another outstanding stop from Pedersen before Fulham skipper Brown scuffed a shot over after good work by substitute Wayne Routledge.

Fulham put in a grandstand finish after riding a storm of Rovers pressure but Diop and Knight just failed to find the target late on.