Blackburn 1-2 West Ham:
Controversial Zamora winner
PA
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley was entitled to celebrate after
his struggling side moved off the foot of the table by ending a run
of five straight league defeats with a 2-1 success at
Blackburn.
But it needed a controversial goal from substitute Bobby Zamora to
secure the points and their first away win on the road in the
league this season.
Referee Howard Webb ruled that Zamora's effort 15 minutes from time
had crossed the line.
TV replays failed to back the official's decision and Carlos Tevez
appeared to be in an offside position, but Webb awarded the
goal.
It was just the break the Hammers needed after Tevez's penalty had
cancelled out the opener from Blackburn's Christopher Samba.
There were one or two encouraging signs for West Ham in the first
half after one win in 12 league games.
In fact, Tevez could have put them ahead in the first minute when
he rattled in a shot from 20 yards, but American goalkeeper Brad
Friedel made a good block from the Argentinian.
And Marlow Harewood perhaps should have made the breakthrough in
the 27th minute when he was released by Tevez.
Blackburn were caught napping, but Harewood showed a lack of
confidence to direct his shot from inside the area wide of the
post.
But those two moments apart in the first 45 minutes it was a case
of backs to the wall for the Hammers.
And defender Lucas Neill had to endure the taunts of some Blackburn
supporters following his move to Upton Park in the January transfer
window. He was forced to put in a hard shift as Blackburn pressed
forward in numbers.
Matt Derbyshire found the net for Blackburn in the ninth minute,
but his effort was ruled out for an infringement.
Benni McCarthy then skipped away from Robert Green, only for the
goalkeeper to recover and clear the ball over the bar.
Blackburn kept up the pressure and Morten Gamst Pedersen swung in a
deep cross, but Derbyshire was unable to get a vital touch.
David Dunn and Pedersen came close to putting the home side in
front, before David Bentley saw his delicate chip turned away by
Green.
Then, just before half-time, Pedersen sent his shot wide from close
range after Derbyshire had flicked the ball on.
Blackburn needed only two minutes of the second half to make the
breakthrough and it came from an unlikely source.
Samba got away from his marker to flick a header beyond Green
following a corner from Pedersen.
It was the defender's first goal for the club following his arrival
from Hertha Berlin in January and you had to wonder how he managed
to make that much space for himself.
But there was no hiding his delight and the fans broke into a cry
of `Let's all do the Samba'.
Curbishley decided to freshen things up in the 56th minute and
brought on Zamora for the ineffective Harewood. It proved to be an
inspired move and could yet see the Hammers move out of
trouble.
However, Mark Hughes' side continued to hold the advantage and
maintain the majority of possession.
But the crowd were anxious for a second goal and Derbyshire was
replaced by Jason Roberts in the 64th minute.
The Hammers suddenly hit back, with Matthew Etherington seeing his
goal-bound chip cleared by Stephen Warnock a minute later.
Then Zamora rattled in a shot from an acute angle that Friedel did
well to turn around the post.
Tevez equalised from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after
being brought down by Brett Emerton.
The Blackburn defender was incensed and there was a brief melee
before the Argentinian took a cool spotkick.
Then Zamora made his mark and Blackburn were reduced to 10 men in
stoppage time with Bentley dismissed after picking up his second
yellow card for hand-ball.[/b]
