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Substitute Freddie Sears’ late goal on his first-team debut handed West Ham their first win in three games at the expense of Blackburn at Upton Park.

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Rovers took the lead when Roque Santa Cruz converted Morten Gamst Pedersen’s cross with a diving header. England striker Dean Ashton equalised just before half-time when he slotted in from 12 yards out. And with just 10 minutes remaining, 18-year-old Sears nodded in after Brad Friedel parried his initial shot. It was a dream start to his career for Sears, but it was far from a dream start for the Hammers who had gone into their home match having lost the previous three by a 4-0 scoreline. Their fortunes took another turn for the worse early in the match when Santa Cruz added a lovely finish to Pedersen’s ball following a lightning counterattack.