A clinical performance from Blackburn Rovers saw them overcome a lackluster Reading side to win their Premiership match by 4-2 at the Ewood Park on Saturday. Benni McCarthy was in fine form after his return to the starting eleven and it was his brace that proved crucial in the final analysis.

Steve Coppell's Reading have a lot of thinking to do, but can breathe a sign of relief because they competed in the game. However both their goals were scored late on. For Blackburn Roque Santa Cruz returned after recovering from tendinitis and played his part in the win with a goal.

The goal fest started on 17 minutes when Brett Emerton sent in a cross which was headed across the goal by Santa Cruz. With Hahnemann in no position to make a save, McCarthy netted the ball in to take Blackburn to a well deserved lead.

That lead was to double four minutes later when David Dunn sent a clinical pass to Santa Cruz, who made no mistake in firing home. Blackburn were not yet done as they added a third goal in the 31st minute. Tugay latched onto a clearing header from Nick Shorey and his fierce drive left the Royals' keeper a helpless spectator.

Bikey had a chance to reduce the deficit, but his shot went straight to Brad Friedel. Brynjar Gunnarsson and Leroy Lita replaced Liam Rosenior and Bikey after the break, but these changes made little difference to the score. Stephen Warnock was replaced by Zurab Khizanishvili in what appeared to be a serious injury.

Shorey's inswinging corner in the 80th-minute found Doyle, who headed home beyond Friedel. However Rovers were awarded a penalty for Sonko's foul on Matt Derbyshire and McCarthy slotted home for the second time in the evening.

Doyle grabbed a consolation goal late in injury time, but Rovers had by then begun celebrating their first home win over the Royals in 27 years.

Rovers are sixth on the Premiership table with 18 points, while Reading are 12th with 10 points from 10 games.

Watch Live Premiership on free-football.tv