WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola hailed his team's backs-to-the-wall second half performance against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday which ensured they returned from the North-West with a valuable point.

An impressive attacking display in the first period saw the Hammers take the initiative and the lead when Mark Noble capped a fine move with a precise finish. But it was a different story after the break as Sam Allardyce's men hit back early on through Keith Andrews, and only a masterful rearguard performance from the likes of James Tomkins, Lucas Neill and Scott Parker prevented any more damage.

Zola was delighted with his players' efforts, given the injury crisis which has threatened to derail their ambitions of a Uefa Cup place.

“They (the players) were really good. You have to defend well when you have a team like Blackburn putting so many big bodies in the box. It's difficult, but we were excellent,” said the Italian.

“We lacked the extra physical strength in the second half that maybe could have caused them some problems. They were exposed, but they gave everything, both teams could have won in the end.

“We couldn't set the tone in the second half, they were looking for the victory as much as we were.”

Zola admitted Blackburn's physical approach was not his cup of tea, but he refused to criticise Allardyce's tactics.

“It's not my idea of football but I understand that not all the teams will play in the same way and all the managers will not have the same ideas,” he added.

“But I am one of the managers that like to see differences in football, not just one way to play. In Italy we say you can get to Rome in different ways. The important thing is that you get to Rome.”