Fulham 0-1 Blackburn Rovers

Jordan Rhodes struck his fourth goal of the season

Kit Symons' first game in caretaker charge of Fulham ended in defeat as his 10-man side were beaten by Blackburn.

In a first half of few clear-cut chances, Hugo Rodallega came closest when his angled drive went inches past Rovers keeper Jason Steele's goal.

Shaun Hutchinson was then sent off for Fulham at the end of the first half for a studs-up challenge on Lee Williamson.

The crucial goal came when Corry Evans' shot fell to Jordan Rhodes, who stabbed home his fourth of the season.

Defeat for Fulham left them rooted to the foot of the Championship table and still without a league win this season, while Blackburn climbed into the top 10.

After a scrappy opening in which both sides struggled to get the ball down and play, it was the visitors who had the first effort when Ben Marshall sliced wide.

Bryan Ruiz then fired over when well placed for the hosts, before Rudy Gestede saw his drive saved at the second attempt for Rovers.

The game came to life when Tom Cairney gave the ball away in midfield and Rodallega burst into the Blackburn box but, his effort across goal went just wide.

With the half petering out, Fulham's chances were severely dented when Hutchinson saw red for a poor challenge on Williamson, with the Rovers midfielder unable to continue as a result of the tackle.

The visitors enjoyed plenty of early possession as the second half began, but failed to create any real chances until Rhodes poached the vital goal.

His effort had a hint of good fortune about it as Evans' wayward shot fell straight to the striker who converted expertly.

Despite their seventh defeat in eight games, Symons, who was put in charge after Felix Magath was sacked, will be encouraged by the fight shown by his side after going a goal down.

A swift counter-attack saw Ross McCormack produce an effort which was blocked by debutant Steele's feet before Tim Hoogland missed the target when well placed.

Fulham caretaker Kit Symons: "I just said to the players in there I was very proud of the performance. It was a disciplined, resolute performance with 10 men.

"There was nothing in the first half, 11 v 11, and even in the second half we had a few chances to win the game or get back into it when they got the goal."

Blackburn boss Gary Bowyer on the challenge that caused Shaun Hutchinson to be sent off: "Fortunately for us and for Lee, he has got lucky. There's no break.

"He has a lovely pattern down his leg so he will be badly bruised, but fortunately there's no break in it. The main thing is that he has been able to limp out of here."