Andy Carroll and Brad Jones rescue Liverpool against Blackburn Rovers after comedy of errors at Ewood Park To add to the tale of the unexpected, the game began with Andy Carroll impressing with some nimble defensive work, helping set the stage for Liverpool's first, and ended with him heading in the winner, a real sting in the ponytail. Barring his late intervention, Carroll mainly impressed when assisting his defence. Helping quell an early Rovers attack, Carroll laid the ball off to Martin Skrtel, who delivered a magnificent raking pass down the right that the rested Steven Gerrard would have been proud of. Craig Bellamy raced down the flank, swiftly covering the ground he knows so well, before squaring a superb ball for Maxi Rodriguez to drive Liverpool ahead. Things were looking good for Liverpool, getting even better after 16 minutes. Jonjo Shelvey, putting in a mature and diligent shift in central midfield, charged forward, his shot saved by Paul Robinson but the ball falling only to Carroll. The England striker's shot was blocked but Maxi was alert, seizing on the ball and making it 2-0. For all Liverpool's two-goal lead, concerns soon arose, mainly surrounding young Jon Flanagan at right-back. Already booked for fouling Marcus Olsson, Flanagan was fortunate to escape a second yellow from Taylor when fouling him again. Flanagan was caught out again and Junior Hoilett sped towards the box, soon brought down by Doni. Usually so assured, the Rovers striker hit a really poor spot-kick, allowing Jones to save easily to his right. Jordan Henderson slotted into the right-back position vacated by Flanagan. Jones stayed out at the interval, practising with Liverpool's goalkeeping coach, John Achterberg, for the inevitable onslaught. Jones dealt with a Dunn shot and a Grant Hanley header but then had the Blackburn End mixing howls of laughter with screams for a red card as he clearly fouled Yakubu. Cautioned by Taylor, Jones was then beaten by Yakubu from the spot. Still the focus remained on Jones. The drama was not over as Carroll connected with a powerful header - at the right end - in stoppage time. Liverpool fans in the Darwen End celebrated wildly. Boos rang out from some Blackburn fans. There was even a brief demonstration of dissent towards the Venky's family, the club owners who had representatives here. Venky's had wanted entertainment brought back to Ewood but not quite like this. Blackburn have serious work to do to survive in the Premier League. Jones, meanwhile, prepares for Nikica Jelavic and a serious test of his own - at Wembley. Booked: Flanagan, Maxi, Jones, Bellamy, Henderson. Goals: Maxi 13, 16, Carroll 90