McCarthy purple patch helps Blackburn out of drop zone

Benni McCarthy’s sixth goal in as many games put Blackburn on track for a 3-0 win over Newcastle that lifted Sam Allardyce’s side out of the relegation zone, albeit only on goal difference.

McCarthy’s striker partner Jason Roberts netted twice after the South African had given Blackburn the lead from the penalty spot early in the second half.

It was a defeat that drags Newcastle, one of Allardyce’s former clubs, right back into the relegation quagmire and, on this evidence, they don’t deserve to be anywhere else.

A frustrating afternoon for the visitors was illustrated by the sight of the normally composed Nicky Butt clattering into David Dunn to earn himself a red card just before Roberts notched his second goal.

Butt might have given Newcastle the lead ten minutes before half-time but screwed his shot from eight yards wide after being set up by former Blackburn star Damien Duff.

Duff provided an equally inviting pass for Michael Owen five minutes into the second half but the England forward opted to cross to the far post, where Charles N’Zogbia squandered the chance.

Blackburn exploited those let-offs as the hour mark approached after referee Rob Styles judged Jose Enrique to have fouled McCarthy as the pair jostled for position ahead of a Brett Emerton corner.

The goal transformed Rovers and Roberts made it 2-0 five minutes later, firing home after goalkeeper Paul Robinson’s long punt downfield was helped on by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

McCarthy immediately departed to a standing ovation while his replacement, want-away forward Roque Santa Cruz, was briefly booed by the home supporters.

Butt was ordered off seven minutes from the end after his challenge on Dunn earned him a second yellow card of the afternoon.

Roberts duly completed a much-needed win by stabbing in Pedersen’s cross from close range with four minutes left.