Damien Duff gave the home side the lead against his old club after 37 minutes but Grant Hanley's fIrst goal for Blackburn brought the visitors level.
Duff then racked up his first double since 1998 to restore the advantage on 59 minutes only for David Hoilett to equalise six minutes later.
But substitute Bobby Zamora won it from the penalty spot a minute from time. Blackburn defender Gael Givet was sent off for dissent after the final whistle.
