The South African’s strike was enough to give Mark Hughes’ side the edge against City in a rousing encounter.

Both sides finished with 10 men. Blackburn midfielder Tugay was sent off, as was City skipper Richard Dunne.

Not that it was a dirty game – far from it – just hugely competitive at rain-lashed Ewood Park.

While Rovers extended their unbeaten run to 14 matches stretching back to last season, City have lost two in succession in the league with out scoring.

McCarthy made the breakthrough in the 13th minute when David Bentley swung in a corner from the left that was met by Christopher Samba at the far post.

He picked out Roque Santa Cruz, only for Kasper Schmeichel to parry his header straight into the path of McCarthy, who scored from close range.

It was the South African striker’s first league goal of the season to add to his two in the Intertoto Cup. He scored 24 in all competitions last term.

Blackburn almost extended their lead when David Dunn got on the end of a Bentley free-kick only to head over the bar.

Then Stephen Warnock found Santa Cruz at the back post but Schmeichel got a good hand to the ball.

Blackburn were dominating the game and Bentley was showing why he had been called up into the England squad.

City supporters had something to cheer when Emile Mpenza won a free-kick off Brett Emerton. Elano, though, sent his effort into the wall.

Blackburn almost added a second in first-half stoppage-time when Bentley picked out Morten Gamst Pedersen but the Norwegian’s effort was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Santa Cruz then got on the end of a through ball from McCarthy in the 50th minute.

It seemed a clear chance but the Paraguay international got the ball stuck under his feet, much to City’s relief.

The visitors hit back and won a free-kick 20 yards out in the 53rd minute.

Brazilian midfielder Elano took it, only to send his effort narrowly wide of the post.

Blackburn were reduced to 10 men in the 55th minute when Tugay was sent off after picking up two yellow cards in two minutes.

The Turkish playmaker was dismissed for challenges on Mpenza and Dietmar Hamann.

City immediately raised the tempo and Blackburn boss Hughes took action by drafting in defender Andre Ooijer after 63 minutes for McCarthy.

However, Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side went down to 10 men in the 65th minute when skipper Dunne was sent off after a lunge on Santa Cruz.

Samba should have at least hit the target two minutes later after Pedersen swung in a corner but sent a free header high over the bar.

It was clear chance, with little to choose between the teams.

Blackburn were carving out the better chances and Emerton raced away in the 72nd minute but Schmeichel parried the ball to safety.

Two minutes later, Emerton delivered a good ball into the area and found Pedersen.

However, he tried to be too elaborate and sent a weak lob from close range into the arms of the goalkeeper.

Hughes sent on Matt Derbyshire for Santa Cruz with four minutes remaining.

While he was unable to extend their lead, the Blackburn supporters went home happy after another positive display from the team.