Blackburn inflict first defeat of Scott Parker tenure as West Ham rut continues

Tony Mowbray praised Blackburn’s work rate and discipline as they returned to winning ways with an impressive 2-1 win over West Ham.The Hammers were roared on by a vociferous away following of over 7,000 but Mowbray’s men stood up to the challenge, withstanding sustained pressure at the start of the second half which saw Jarrod Bowen strike the woodwork.Rovers landed a decisive second-half double blow through Andri Gudjohnsen’s diving header – his sixth goal in five games – before former West Ham man Dapo Afolayan rifled in a low second.Although Joel Piroe smashed in his fourth of the season to give West Ham hope, Blackburn stood firm and they have now won five of their eight Ewood Park encounters, surpassing last season’s total wins.Mowbray was understandably delighted with his team’s efforts.Goalscorer: Andri Gudjohnsen Getty“Today, the work rate of the team, the commitment and the endeavour, it was positive for us,” he said. “Our lads rose to the challenge against a very good team.“We’re delighted. That’s a tough game. I can feel their quality, their power and their strength.“We scored at good times. I thought we always carried a threat. Whilst they had the ball a fair bit, I think it’s not wise to go and chase and hunt down good football teams who can pick the right pass and get through you.“I thought we were pretty disciplined today. We had some counter attacking threat. I was happy enough at half-time but said ‘let’s be a bit braver, let’s make sure they feel our quality’, otherwise you never get them off your back.”Scott Parker cut a disappointed figure after seeing West Ham’s winless run stretch to four, leaving him without victory in his two games in charge.Disappointed: Scott ParkerPAHe felt Max Kilman was fouled in the build-up to the second goal, but accepted his team’s inability to score when on top proved decisive.“Very disappointing,” said Parker. “I thought we dominated first half, without really creating too much. Second half, came out really sharp, really bright and didn’t manage to score the first goal.“Their first goal gives us a bit of a hill to climb. The second goal is obviously a foul.“We’re bitterly disappointed because the result hasn’t gone our way. There are certain things that were big improvements. I’ve had one training session, 45 minutes yesterday. I see a committed group at this moment in time.Read More“A lot of work to be done but I’m looking forward to it.”