McCarthy on target in Rovers victory

David Bentley fired a stunning winner seven minutes from time to snatch victory for Blackburn in their 2-1 win against Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Reading had dominated the first half with James Harper sending them into an interval lead with a cool finish but then Rovers took full control.

They equalised through Benni McCarthy and then Bentley grabbed all three points, finishing a run that started from inside his own half with a breathtaking strike from the edge of the area.

Blackburn made a promising start with McCarthy collecting a long ball from James McEveley which he nearly lofted over Ivar Ingimarsson's head, but the Iceland defender was alert.

Blackburn had the ball in the back of the net in the 15th minute when Morten Gamst Pedersen's turn and shot drew a fine save from Marcus Hahnemann. The USA goalkeeper could only parry into the path of McCarthy who netted but was offside.

Reading were denied by the post on the half-hour with Glen Little's lethal free-kick finding Sidwell who directed his header at the woodwork.

The Royals' goal arrived in the 41st minute. Harper raced on to Stephen Hunt's ball before picking out the bottom right-hand corner with a cool finish. Barely a minute was on the clock when Blackburn thought they had equalised.

Pedersen picked out McCarthy who showed composure to beat Hahnemann with a neat finish but the South African striker was denied in a tight call from the official.

Blackburn could not be denied in the 63rd minute when McCarthy latched on to Neill's cross and steered home.

There was a hint of offside about the goal but it was allowed to stand and McCarthy was then booked for rolling the ball at the linesman. Bentley scored after 84 minutes, benefiting from a mistake from substitute John Oster, and dashed to the edge of the area before netting.