Teenager Freddie Sears scored on his Premier League debut to give West Ham a vital 2-1 over Blackburn at Upton Park.

With just 10 minutes remaining, 18-year-old Sears saw his initial shot parried by Brad Friedel, but he stooped to head home the rebound and end West Ham's miserable run of three consecutive 4-0 defeats.

The Hammers came into the game reeling from identical maulings at the hands of Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham - and with the future of manager Alan Curbishley subject to mounting speculation.

As the rain clouds gathered over East London, however, it was Curbishley's inspired decision to introduce an untried youngster which ultimately provided both he and the long-suffering West Ham fans the relief they desperately needed - and resigned Blackburn to just their second Premier League defeat of 2008.

In an open first-half, Blackburn went ahead with a breakaway goal after 20 minutes, when Morten Gamst Pedersen was sprung clear in acres of space on the left. The Norwegian's clipped ball found the unmarked Roque Santa Cruz, who flung himself full-length to head brilliantly past Robert Green.

There would be no capitulation from the Hammers this time, though, who responded with a resolve lacking in recent weeks. Their reward came five minutes before half-time, when Robert Green's long clearance found Dean Ashton.

With Christopher Samba at his back, the striker deftly flicked the ball round the defender and profited from his own handiwork to slot expertly past Brad Friedel. The Hammers were level.

As the heavens opened in the second half, both sides struggled to keep possession, and chances were at a premium.

Blackburn wasted their best opportunity to take the lead 10 minutes after the restart, when Pedersen spun and shot wide from 10 yards with the goal gaping.

It was then left to Sears to belie his inexperience and provide the clinical finish that was previously lacking. Just three minutes after replacing Noberto Solana, the youngster drove forward into the Rovers penalty area, latched on to good work from Ashton, and won the game with his first meaningful contribution in senior football.

Will Tidey / Eurosport