Freddie Sears was the hero on his debut as West Ham ended their run of 4-0 defeats with victory over Blackburn at Upton Park.
The teenager came off the bench with a quarter of an hour left and made his mark six minutes later, finishing with a diving header after Brad Friedel had saved his first shot.
Roque Santa Cruz had given Rovers the lead in the 19th minute but Dean Ashton levelled before the break.
With both sides looking for European qualification, the match opened up a little in the second half but the lack of goalmouth action explained why finishing in mid-table looks likely.
It took the introduction of a fearless youngster to change the match, with the Romford lad immediately sparking excitement from home fans every time he received the ball.
Blackburn had the better of the early stages. Morten Gamst Pedersen drove in a dangerous early corner that fizzed across Robert Green's goal, and the winger also headed wide after a sweeping move down the right when David Bentley and Brett Emerton combined.
dipping cross
Christopher Samba should have given Mark Hughes' men the lead in the 18th minute when Bentley's corner found him in the six-yard area and the defender put his header over the crossbar.
But they were not to be denied with their next attack. Bentley spread the ball wide to Pedersen, who had plenty of room down the left flank. Santa Cruz was unmarked in the penalty area and headed past Green when Pedersen found him for his 16th of the season.
The goal woke West Ham up and they tried for an immediate reply, with Friedel needed to tip an Ashton header around the post when Bobby Zamora found his strike partner with a cross from the left.
Friedel also tipped over the crossbar from Nolberto Solano's 30-yard free-kick before the break.
Although Bentley, who was booked for a trip on Scott Parker, threatened with a dipping cross and a speculative shot, the hosts were rewarded for their efforts six minute before the interval.
exciting youngster
Green helped set up the equaliser with a long free-kick. Zamora flicked on with his head, Ashton spun around Samba before lofting his finish over Friedel and in.
In desperate need of a goal to kick-start his season, Ashton had scored the winner against Blackburn before Christmas but only netted twice before beating Friedel again.
Green was not tested when Pedersen fired over from close range when Jason Roberts' low cross found its way to him just before the hour mark.
Then Friedel was forced into action when Ashton tried his luck from long range and the American was down well to stop the striker's effort.
Alan Curbishley then brought on Sears for his debut, with the home fans giving the exciting youngster a huge welcome.
His goal came nine minutes from the end after Ashton had backheeled. Friedel saved Sears' first shot but he dived in to head home the rebound.
