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Aleksandar Mitrovic's late second goal ensured a first win of the season for Fulham

Fulham claimed their first win since being relegated from the Premier League despite the best efforts of Blackburn Rovers.

Tom Cairney spectacularly opened the scoring against his former club as his left-footed effort from 25 yards nestled into the top corner.

Adam Armstrong almost levelled early in the second half, but his low, long-distance effort flashed past the post.

But Aleksandar Mitrovic sealed the win when he tapped in from close range late on after great work by Joe Bryan.

Having brought in four players before the transfer deadline, Fulham boss Scott Parker opted to start just one in Harry Arter, but his decision was vindicated when he put in a great sliding block to deny Bradley Johnson after 14 minutes.

It was one of a number of Rovers chances as Fulham looked shaky to start with - Mitrovic almost scored an own goal with a sliced clearance, while Armstrong also went close.

But the Serbian forward galvanised his side midway through the half as he created a chance for Anthony Knockaert before going close himself.

Elliott Bennett produced a great block to deny Ivan Cavaleiro's goalbound effort, and Knockaert also went close for Fulham in the second half.

Meanwhile, at the other end, Sam Gallagher's header just went wide for Blackburn five minutes before Mitrovic's clinching goal as Rovers tried to get an equaliser that their efforts probably deserved.

The win ended a three-game run without scoring or getting a point for Fulham, who last tasted success when they beat Cardiff 1-0 at Craven Cottage in the Premier League in mid-April.

Blackburn have now lost their opening two league games for the second time in three seasons - although when they last had such a start in 2017 they went on to win automatic promotion from League One.

Fulham boss Scott Parker told BBC London:

"It was a big game for us and the result was key. We were disappointed after last week as a group, but today we gave ourselves an opportunity to win the match. We did the basics well.

"Last week I felt we took the easy option at times and these players can't play that way. As much as it looks a little pedestrian at times, there's a reason behind it and I felt the boys were really brave in that instance.

"The first 15-20 minutes, I sensed a nervousness. The (first) goal changes the game - it's a world-class strike and it does settle nerves. But there's plenty more to come from us."

Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray told BBC Lancashire:

"I think there wasn't much in the game - it could easily have been a game that we won 2-0. The frustration is that we weren't clinical. We had plenty of opportunities to work their goalkeeper and score goals, but it didn't happen and ultimately we got punished.

"We know Cairney's left foot can be magical at times and he put one in the top corner. I'm not sure how much we could have done about it, to be honest. The second goal was very frustrating because the game was very scrappy and there was nothing in it.

"First half I thought we were the dominant team and probably deserved to score and come in ahead - and yet we've found ourselves 1-0 down. People who haven't seen the game might think 2-0 was a pretty academic home victory, but it was never that easy."