THE post Sam Allardyce era at Blackburn Rovers started in disappointment as they were held to a 1-1 draw by struggling West Ham United.

Ryan Nelsen bundled Rovers ahead after the break but substitute Junior Stanislas converted a deserved equaliser with 10 minutes remaining.

The final whistle was met with huge jeers by the home fans after a lack lustre display from their side.

The first half did little to warm up the cold Ewood Park crowd with both sides struggling to keep the ball or create any chances.

Kean opted to start with a 4-4-2 formation, with Jason Roberts and Mame Biram Diouf in attack, but they still struggled to create chances.

Roberts was forced off early on with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Benjani, who struggled to get into the game.

The more the half went on, the more dangerous West Ham looked and they probably should have gone in ahead the break.

Luis Boa Morte saw a shot well saved by Paul Robinson, while Frederic Piquionne should have done better after being put through on goal.

Kean reverted to Rovers' usual 4-5-1 system after the break and it paid immediate dividends, with a more balanced midfield making the hosts look more solid.

Nelsen broke the deadlock with scrappy goal that was in keeping with the game, as he kneed the ball over the line from close range after Benjani had missed a sitter.

Rovers were still far from at their best though and suffered a double injury blow – which could have more lasting effects on their season.

First Chris Samba limped out of the action on 57 and just four minutes later his replacement Phil Jones was carried off, with what looked like a serious ankle injury.

West Ham should have equalised on 71 minutes but Matt Upson could only volley against the post from yards out.

Piquionne then sent a close range header over the bar as the Hammers pushed for an equaliser and Rovers struggled to get out of their own half.

The visitors' deserved equaliser came on 79 when the ball was worked to the unmarked Junior Stanislas and he calmly slotted his shot past Robinson.

David Dunn had a goal disallowed on 82, for a foul by Nelsen, but Rovers did not deserve victory.