Stoke City Battles Back to Claim Draw Against Blackburn

Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving Blackburn a 21st-minute lead, but Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke City after 56 minutes. The match ended 1-1, with Stoke finishing with 10 men after Ash Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offense. Forshaw's goal was his third in a decade and just his second since April 2016. Stoke fans are familiar with facing former managers, with Michael O'Neill being the fourth this season. O'Neill enjoyed his return in the first half as the visitors took a deserved lead. They should have been in front before Forshaw's goal, with Ryoya Morishita failing to hit the target from 16 yards. Forshaw delightfully curled in Ryan Alebiosu's cut-back from 20 yards after compatriots Morishita and Yuki Ohashi carved open the home side. Stoke responded well despite a hit-and-miss display, with Sam Gallagher seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. Cashin came to the rescue again soon after to block Eric Bocat's shot at the expense of a corner. Stoke started the second half positively and were rewarded with their equalizer. Good hustling by Bocat gave Million Manhoef his chance to run at the Rovers defense before crossing into the six-yard area for Rak-Sakyi to bundle home. The former Charlton striker then almost doubled his tally only to curl his shot wide of an upright. Moussa Baradji retaliated from long distance but Gavin Bazunu saved comfortably. Substitute Lamine Cisse should have won it for Stoke late on but hit it straight at stranded keeper Balazs Toth. Stoke's Mark Robins addressed fans' disgruntlement, reminding them of the team's progress and the need for Championship-ready players. Blackburn's Michael O'Neill discussed their survival chances, stating that they can't expect favors from other teams and must take their form and belief into the remaining four games.