Ben Marshall's seventh goal of the season has given Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 lead at half time against Fulham at Ewood Park.

Luke Steele denied Tom Richards after smart build-up play from Hugo Rodallega and Ross McCormack and moments later, the home side took the lead.

Marshall made the most of some indecision in the defence to steal the ball and rifle the ball past Marcus Bettinelli after 12 minutes.

Jordan Rhodes had a good chance to make it 2-0 three minutes later, but the striker's effort was comfortably gathered after he had brought the ball down on his chest on the edge of the box.

McCormack spurned a decent opening on the edge of the box when he blazed over the bar before the half-hour mark.

Craig Conway came close to doubling Rovers' advantage after he was teed up by Rhodes, but his curling shot could only find the post.

Conway then turned provider and his cross was met by Chris Brown, who headed into the side-netting shortly before the half-time whistle.