Friedel stars for Rovers

26 december 2006, 18:30

Koen Freriks

Benni McCarthy's 10th goal of the season and a series of super saves by Brad Friedel gave Blackburn three priceless points after a 1-0 victory against Liverpool.

McCarthy converted Morten Gamst Pedersen's 49th-minute cross before handing centre stage to his goalkeeper, who repeatedly denied Liverpool.

Having twice saved point-blank Peter Crouch efforts in the first half, the American finger-tipped away a late Xabi Alonso drive while the Spaniard and Craig Bellamy were also denied by the woodwork.