Leeds’ ninth home defeat of the season, with Rovers bouncing back after Mark Viduka had scored his 20th goal of the season, has handed relegation-haunted West Ham another lifeline in their bid for Premiership survival.

Leeds remain six points clear of the Hammers, who travel to Maine Road tomorrow, and they will be banking on Kevin Keegan’s boys maintaining such a vital advantage.

Blackburn’s victory was completed in the 78th minute with Andy Todd, a substitute 14 minutes earlier for Craig Short, sidefooting home from four yards after Robinson had missed a Duff corner.

With all their substitutes on the pitch, Blackburn then played the final 10 minutes – including four for injury time – with 10 men for Gresko was stretchered off after a clumsy challenge by Mills.

There was still time for late drama as Smith took advantage of confusion between Todd and Friedel in injury time to nod home his first Premiership goal since November 17.