Luke Hyam own goal helps Blackburn stay upwardly mobile in Skybet Championship
An own goal by Luke Hyam was enough to give Paul Lambert his first home win in charge of Blackburn Rovers as they overcame Rotherham 1-0.
In a game low on quality, the decisive moment came in the 31st minute as Craig Conway, who is leading the way by some distance in terms of chances created in the league, whipped in an inviting ball that Hyam could only divert past Lee Camp.
It was slightly harsh on Rotherham, who showed admirable commitment and organisation. But for a clearance on the line by Grant Hanley and a fine Jason Steele save, they would have taken a share of the spoils.
But despite a performance that was laboured at times, Blackburn took the three points on the 140th anniversary of their first official game and after stretching their unbeaten run to seven, Lambert's men find themselves two points outside the Skybet Championship's top six.
Lambert named an unchanged side after last week's win at Bristol City, while Neil Redfearn was without the injured Danny Ward so Hyam started in one of two changes from defeat to Wolves; with Joe Mattock in for Harry Toffolo.
Rovers' own sloppy play almost led to their downfall in the eighth minute when poor communication between Steele and Shane Duffy presented a chance for Hyam to lob and - although the goalkeeper got a touch on the ball - Hanley headed off the line and blocked Lee Frecklington's rebound.
Blackburn struggled to create any tempo early on but Tom Lawrence produced a superb turn midway through the half to deceive two Rotherham players before teeing up Ben Marshall, who saw his fierce drive parried.
The home side imposed themselves as the half wore on and edged ahead in the 31st minute.
The goal came from yet another terrific cross from Conway. His inswinging ball from the left tempted Hyam into an attempted clearance but he could only head past the helpless Camp.
Rotherham were not out of it though, despite Blackburn's dominance of possession and six minutes before the break Joe Newell bundled his way into the area before forcing a fine low save from Steele and Duffy cleared the loose ball.
A moment of sloppiness again almost caught out Rovers as Duffy's slack pass was seized by the visitors - and Grant Ward burst into the area before finding Hyam but his cross was crucially blocked by the same defender, who redeemed himself.
But Rotherham were almost two down after a slick exchange between Corry Evans and Lawrence gave the former a shooting opportunity which he skewed wide.
Both sides went close with headed chances late on, but Camp magnificently saved Duffy's bullet effort while Jonson Clarke-Harris saw his powerful header deflected wide as Rovers claimed the points.
Source: PA
