Rovers Disappoint at Ewood

Blackburn will rue yet another missed opportunity after failing to hold onto a 1 nil lead via a scrappy goal to Ryan Nelsen, allowing West Ham back in the game as super sub Stanislav equalled late on.

New Manager Mr Kean decided to tinker with the line up, starting with the Diouf boys hugging both flanks and Brett Emerton playing the holding role in midfield.

The game kicked off in horrid conditions, with the surface appearing to be covered in ice as the ball skid all over the pitch. The weather just wasnt enough for Jason Roberts, who came of early after a hamstring strain.

Blackburn though, started well infront of the new manager, moving the ball effectively, using the width of the pitch. However the final ball was lacking on several occasions. West Ham played the fast counter game, attempting to break, but they has little luck as the conditions appeared to get the better of the both teams.

Little happened in the first half, the best chance falling for Piquoinne, who blasted into the side netting. Half Time 0-0

The second half continued in a similar fashion. Both teams were just unable to create anything. And this scrappiness was the cause of the first goal. A Brett Emerton Cross should have been buried by Benjani, who fluffed his attempt. Nelsen had a go but it was saved by Boffin, the rebound bobbled up, struck Nelsen and somehow found the net! 1-0 Blackburn

Samba then picked up a knock, with Phil Jones, who didnt start his first game all season, coming on. Though Jones didnt last long, appearing to straight a lateral ligament, ruling him out for several months. Grant Hanley came on!

With the run of injuries, David Dunn appeared to pick up a knock, and former Rover Benni McCarthy came on for the Hammers. Personally I was quite dissapointed with the reception he got from the home team......

Benni could of silenced the faithful immediately, but he couldnt latch onto a through ball. It was left to Stanislav to equalise for West Ham. A cross by Parker was deflected out by Givet, and Stanislav made no mistake, hitting the far corner. 1-1

Blackburn thought they had restored the lead almost immediately. A Gamst Pedersen corner bobbed into the box, the ball flicked into the path of Dunn who knocked it in. However play was called back for the slightest of nudges by Nelsen.

A late succession of free kicks werent enough for Rovers who couldnt get that winner, West Ham grabbing a vital point....

1-1

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