Blackburn boss Mark Hughes marked his 125th Premiership game in charge at Ewood Park with a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to West Ham.

Rovers had previously not lost to London opposition for eight games but in a lacklustre performance they only came to life once they fell behind to substitute Dean Ashton's strike in the 52nd minute.

Roque Santa Cruz should have levelled but blazed over with only Robert Green to beat but for all Rovers pressure there was a hint of desperation about their play.

With three minutes remaining Tugay struck a marvellous volley which seemed destined for the top corner until Green made a brilliant stop to parry for a corner.

Blackburn ended the game with ten men after all their substitutes had been used and defender Andre Ooijer went off injured.

But overall this was one of Rovers worst performances of the season and Hughes did not try to gloss over their inadequacies.

"Today was disappointing. It was one of the few times this season when our performance levels where no where near what they need to be, particularly in the first half.

"We didn't really create anything and we need to learn that teams are going to come here with a game plan to frustrate us and their game plan worked really well.

"In the second half we went to 4-4-2 and pressed higher up the field but then disappointed ourselves again by conceding a poor goal from our point of view following a series of individual errors.

"We are disappointed with the way we played but after the goal we still created enough chances to have perhaps won the game.