West Ham 2

Ashton 39 Sears 81

Blackburn 1

Santa Cruz 19

West Ham 2 Blackburn 1 March 15 2008

Freddie Sears netted the winner on his debut as West Ham ended their run of 4-0 defeats with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn at Upton Park.

Curbishley brought on Sears in the 75th minute and the youngster netted six minutes later after Dean Ashton back-heeled the ball to the sub, whose shot was parried by Brad Friedal before he dived to head in from close range.

Rovers took the lead on 19 minutes when Morten Gamst Pedersen crossed from the left to an unmarked Roque Santa Cruz, who headed past Robert Green.

West Ham equalised on 40 minutes when Green's long free-kick was flicked on by Bobby Zamora and Ashton spun around Christopher Samba before lofting his finish over Friedel.

In the second half Friedel saved Ashton's long range effort before Sears netted for the Hammers.

Aston then fired over before Jason Roberts¿ shot was saved by Green.