Stoke City Holds Blackburn to a 1-1 Draw

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. Forshaw's goal was his third in a decade and only his second since April 2016. Blackburn took a deserved lead in the first half, with Forshaw curling in Ryan Alebiosu's cut-back from 20 yards. Stoke responded well, with Sam Gallagher seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. The home side started the second half positively and were rewarded with their equalizer, courtesy of Rak-Sakyi's bundling effort. Moussa Baradji retaliated from long distance, but Gavin Bazunu saved comfortably. Substitute Lamine Cisse had a late chance to win it for Stoke but hit his shot straight at stranded keeper Balazs Toth. Stoke manager Mark Robins reflected on the fans' disappointment, emphasizing the need for Championship-ready players and patience in the process. Blackburn boss Michael O'Neill was pleased with the point, noting that every point is crucial in their survival bid.