Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince's gamble of going all out in the attack late in the game paid off rich dividends as his side snatched a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.

Fulham had played well to hold out for a draw till the 84th minute when substitute Matt Derbyshire headed home from close range to give all three points for Blackburn. The result will come as a welcome relief to Ince who was under some pressure following back to back defeats to West Ham and Arsenal.

The first real chance of the match fell to Fulham early in the first half when Paul Robinson pulled off a good save to deny Andy Johnson from 10 yards out. Keith Andrews and Morten Gamst Pederson had decent chances to break the deadlock for Blackburn but were unable to hit the target while Mark Schwarzer pulled off a brilliant save to palm away Roque Santa Cruz's drive from outside the area.

Brett Emerton almost scored a sensational goal for Blackburn as he raced forward from inside his own half, beat two Fulham defenders but only managed to hit the post from outside the area. With his side unable to create any chances in the second half, Ince made three quick changes, brining on Tugay, Carlos Villanueva and Matt Derbyshire in space of 14 minutes and the three substitutes combined well in the 84th minute, with some help from Santa Cruz who crossed the ball for Derbyshire to head home the winner from close range.

Fulham tried to step up the pressure but were unable to break past the Blackburn defense who hung on to claim Ince's first home win since taking charge of the club.