The Reds enjoyed a major let-off just two minutes after the break. Steven Nzonzi put Franco Di Santo clear but the striker dallied and allowed Javier Mascherano time to get back and dispossess him.

The ineffective Riera was replaced by Ngog and the Reds finally started to pose more of a threat.

Paul Robinson had to keep out Gerrard’s 25-yarder and the captain had another effort deflected over.

On 57 minutes Liverpool had pleas for a spot-kick waved away after Gerrard tumbled over Nzonzi’s challenge in the box following good work from Lucas.

As the second half progressed the game opened up as both teams started to commit more players forward.

The Reds were just inches away from taking the lead with 20 minutes to go. Glen Johnson raced into the box and cut the ball back for Ngog whose shot rattled the bar.

The rebound dropped into the path of Kuyt but his goal-bound shot was forced behind by Samba.

Seven minutes later it was Rovers cursing their luck as Benni McCarthy fired wastefully wide when well placed.

Vince Grella also went close for the hosts, while at the other end Ngog just failed to connect with Gerrard’s header back across goal.

Daniel Agger stung Robinson’s palms with a long range effort late on but there was no way through.
 
 
Blackburn: Robinson, Chimbonda, Samba, Nelsen, Givet, Emerton, Grella, Nzonzi, Diouf (Hoilett 72), McCarthy (Kalinic 77), Di Santo (Andrews 85).
Subs not used: Brown, Roberts, Pedersen, Salgado. 
 
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Insua, Benayoun (El Zhar 72), Lucas, Mascherano, Riera (Ngog 52), Gerrard, Kuyt.
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Aquilani, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Dossena.