Sam Allardyce saw his Blackburn side surely secure their top-flight status with a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth at Ewood Park.

He has always believed 40 points would be enough to stay up and they achieved that mark by beating their fellow strugglers.

Goals from Morten Gamst Pedersen and Benni McCarthy (penalty) in each half saw Blackburn maintain their good home record.

Blackburn carved out a good chance in the 29th minute when a backheel from McCarthy released Stephen Warnock, who played the ball across the face of the area but El-Hadji Diouf was unable to take advantage.

Rovers made the breakthrough a minute later following a moment of indecision from David James. The England goalkeeper was beaten to the ball by Christopher Samba following a cross from Stephen Warnock and it broke to Pedersen, who forced it home for his first goal of the season.

Blackburn almost extended their lead two minutes into the second half following a long throw from Pedersen.

Christopher Samba flicked the ball on and Warnock rifled in a volley, only to see Younes Kaboul get a vital touch.

They did extended their lead in the 58th minute when Hermann Hreidarsson handled as McCarthy clipped the ball into his path. McCarthy sent the penalty into the corner for his 13th goal of the season.

Substitute John Utaka squandered a glorious chance of pulling a goal back in the 87th minute when he sent his penalty high over the bar.

The spot-kick was awarded after Keith Andrews was adjudged to have handled the ball.