Sheri is sweet for Pardew

Teddy Sheringham produced a vintage claret and blue performance as West Ham finally brought their eight-match losing streak to an end with a 2-1 victory over Blackburn.

The 40-year-old veteran put West Ham on the road to victory with a pinpoint header from Yossi Benayoun's lofted cross after 20 minutes. The win was wrapped up by Hayden Mullins 12 minutes from time - and his contribution proved vital as West Ham once again failed to keep a clean sheet.

David Bentley snatched an injury-time consolation but the sense of relief around Upton Park on the final whistle was palpable.

After surviving two early scares, the Hammers laid siege to the Blackburn goal. Too often on their barren run Pardew's men had failed to convert possession into goals and been punished, but the long wait for a West Ham Premiership goal was finally ended after 20 minutes.

Bobby Zamora fed the ball wide to Benayoun who stood up a lofted cross which Sheringham directed with pinpoint accuracy inside Brad Friedel's near-post from 12 yards out.

Blackburn worked an early opportunity for Francis Jeffers, on for the injured Jason Roberts, who pulled his effort wide.

Benni McCarthy, who came within minutes of signing for the Hammers in the summer of 2005, was beginning to cause headaches in the home defence. The South African fired a snapshot straight at Green and then turned Ferdinand to slot a neat shot inside the far post - only for referee Alan Wiley to rule out the strike for foul.

Blackburn had a golden chance to draw level when West Ham left Zura Khizanishvilli unmarked at a corner but the Georgian headed over the bar. Green's brilliant reaction save from Lucas Neill, palming the ball clear as the Australian crept in at the far post, preserved West Ham's lead.

Sheringham was replaced with 15 minutes remaining and Marlon Harewood almost made an immediate impact as he linked with Zamora to win a corner. Ferdinand won the near-post flick-on and Mullins stole in late to stab the ball past Friedel.

Blackburn left with a consolation from Bentley as West Ham again failed to keep a clean sheet. But at least the Hammers had their win.