McCarthy secures Rovers progress

Benni McCarthy's fortuitous free-kick ensured a successful return to Nottingham for Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce as Rovers reached the Carling Cup fourth round with a slender 1-0 victory at the City Ground. Allardyce - who managed Forest's city rivals Notts County between 1997 and 1999, guiding the Magpies to the old Third Division title by a staggering 19 points - saw his side score against the run of play in the 37th minute. After Martin Olsson had been brought down on the left side of the area, McCarthy's curling right-footed cross appeared to evade everyone in the box and nestled in the far corner beyond Paul Smith's desperate dive. It was harsh on the Coca-Cola Championship club, who created the better chances and missed a second-half penalty when Jason Brown superbly saved Dexter Blackstock's kick.