Goal grumble from Rovers boss

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Allardyce insisted Hammers striker Luis Boa Morte was clearly offside in the build-up to Mark Noble's 35th-minute opener and described the decision to allow the goal as "a kick in the teeth".

Allardyce said: "We feel bitterly disappointed we have not got three points and in many ways that is our fault but it is also the fault of the referee's assistant and it is a hard one to take."

He added: "We had two goals disallowed for offside but unfortunately the key area lies with the West Ham goal which nobody can argue is not offside - and we don't know why the referee has not given it (as he was) in such a good position.

"What can be done about it? Nothing. But I have to express my disapproval publicly because we are in a very difficult position and we can't afford to have major decisions going against us."

Despite his disappointment, Allardyce was proud of the effort from his players who finished the game well on top, following their equaliser from Keith Andrews, and were unfortunate not to grab a winner their dominance deserved.

Allardyce added: "We had terrific performances and at the end of the day you need the ball to drop for you or that little bit of luck.We got a good goal from Keith and looked like going on to get the winner.

"If we keep that performance up we should be okay. I don't think we can ask any more in terms of the amount of effort and passion and commitment they've given today."

Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola shrugged off any controversy over Noble's goal, claiming: "I think there might have been a penalty for us as well when Kieron Dyer was fouled so that would balance it out."

Zola also said he was happy with his side's performance in the face of some spirited Blackburn play, adding: "When you have got a big team like they are who boom balls into the box it is not easy for anybody. My team were excellent really and it is a pity we did not have the extra strength that might have allowed us to cause them a few more problems. But it was a close game and both teams could have won it."