David Dunn came off the bench to rescue a point for Blackburn Rovers at home to Aston Villa this afternoon.

In an opening half of very few chances, Villa broke the deadlock in the 24th minute. Carlos Cuellar crossed from the left for Charles N'Zogbia, who sent a powerful effort beyond the reach of Rovers goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Robinson was called into action in stoppage time to deny Stephen Ireland, before the former England international reacted quickest to block Alan Hutton's rebound effort.

Blackburn, who failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes, left the pitch to a chorus of jeers from the home support.

Ireland had the first chance of the second half, but again Robinson was on hand to parry the midfielder's low shot wide of goal.

Norwegian winger Morten Gamst Pedersen had Blackburn's first chance of note in the 69th minute, but his volleyed effort was held by visiting goalkeeper Shay Given.

Despite struggling to create throughout the match, Rovers secured a share of the spoils five minutes from time. Bradley Orr crossed for Dunn, who guided a header beyond the reach of Given.