Hull City slipped back towards the relegation zone following a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Boateng dismissed as Hull go down 1-0 at Ewood Park
Hull City slipped back towards the relegation zone following a 1-0 defeat to Blackburn at Ewood Park.
Blackburn have a fine home record and they took the lead in the 18th minute when Martin Olsson fired in a shot from the narrowest of angles on the left that was helped into the net by goalkeeper Boaz Myhill.
Hull's task was then made much more difficult just before half-time as George Boateng was shown a straight red card following a clash of heads with Morten Gamst Pedersen.
The Tigers showed great spirit in a hard-fought second period but Blackburn held on for three vital points.
Blackburn thoroughly warranted their victory and almost took the lead after just six minutes when Boateng was hauled back for a challenge on Nikola Kalinic.
Pedersen delivered the free-kick and Ryan Nelsen got in a powerful header, only for Myhill to turn it over the top.
Hull responded and Stephen Hunt cleared the bar with his effort inside the area after being set up by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink.
Play switched back down the other end and Myhill did well to claw away a header from El-Hadji Diouf in the 12th minute.
It was an open game and a minute later Paul Robinson parried Vennegoor of Hesselink's shot after good work by Hunt.
Breakthrough
Blackburn opened the scoring after Pedersen set Olsson scampering away down the left. The full-back's shot from the by-line got a final touch off Myhill, for an own goal.
The home side maintained the momentum and Olsson smashed a volley at Myhill in the 30th minute after a clearance from Steven Mouyokolo fell at his feet.
Olsson was giving Hull problems and headed wide four minutes later when a long throw from Morten Gamst Pedersen caused confusion in the visiting defence.
Then Kalinic failed to get a vital touch for Blackburn after Michel Salgado's effort has been blocked.
Hull's troubles increased when they were reduced to 10 men.
Boateng was red-carded after needing treatment following a challenge on Pedersen in the middle of the park.
Blackburn went close to extending their lead in the 43rd minute after an inswinging corner from Diouf.
Pounce
Nelsen was about to pounce at the back post but Myhill was able to touch the ball to safety.
The visitors again found themselves on the back foot in the 54th minute when Olsson released Steven Nzonzi but he dragged his effort wide.
There was little respite for Hull and Kalinic sent an ambitious half-volley wide.
Brett Emerton should have extended Blackburn's lead in the 68th minute when Diouf sprung the offside trap.
Emerton got a good first touch but his shot was weak and Myhill was able to make the block.
Blackburn were again cursing their luck in the 72nd minute as Myhill pushed Gael Givet's header onto the bar following a delivery from Pedersen.
There was a sense of anticipation among the travelling fans three minutes later when Vennegoor of Hesselink shaped to take a free-kick, but he sent his effort over the bar.
Then a cross from Pedersen was deflected by Hull striker Jozy Altidore but Myhill was alert and made the save, as Blackburn settled for a one-goal win.
