In a closely contested match, Stoke City managed to hold off Blackburn, ending the game in a 1-1 draw despite being down to 10 men. Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving Blackburn the lead in the 21st minute.

However, Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke City in the 56th minute. The home team's Ash Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offense three minutes from time. The draw brings Blackburn four points above the drop zone, while Stoke City's fans are left to ponder what could have been. Download the Sky Sports app to stay updated on the latest EFL news and watch matches with NOW.

The visitors should have taken the lead earlier, with Ryoya Morishita failing to hit the target from 16 yards. Forshaw's goal was a surprise, given his limited goalscoring record, but he delightfully curled in Ryan Alebiosu's cut-back from 20 yards. Stoke City responded well to the goal, with Sam Gallagher seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. Cashin came to the rescue again soon after, blocking Eric Bocat's shot.

The home team started the second half positively and were rewarded with their equalizer. Good hustling by Bocat gave Million Manhoef the chance to run at the Blackburn defense before crossing into the six-yard area for Rak-Sakyi to bundle home. The former Charlton striker then almost doubled his tally but curled his shot wide. Moussa Baradji retaliated from long distance, but Gavin Bazunu saved comfortably.

Substitute Lamine Cisse should have won it for Stoke City late on but hit his shot straight at stranded keeper Balazs Toth. Stoke City's Mark Robins reflected on the fans' disgruntlement, saying, 'We have to remember where we are at. We can't go from a game away from relegation to promotion without Championship-ready players.' Blackburn's Michael O'Neill commented on their survival chances, saying, 'We can't expect people to do us favors.

Everyone is in the same boat. They are trying to save themselves. But we came to a difficult place and got a point.

We are unbeaten in five and must take that form and belief into the remaining four games.'