Stoke City Holds Off Blackburn to Secure a Draw

Blackburn midfielder Adam Forshaw scored his first goal since February 2025, giving his team the lead in the 21st minute. However, Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi equalized for Stoke City in the 56th minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The match saw Stoke finish with 10 men after Ash Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offense. Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill, who previously managed Stoke, saw his team take a deserved lead in the first half. Forshaw's goal was a rare occurrence, as he had only scored twice since April 2016. Stoke responded well to the goal, with Sam Gallagher's effort being cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. The home team continued to push for an equalizer and were rewarded when Rak-Sakyi bundled home a cross. The second half saw both teams create chances, with Moussa Baradji's long-distance shot being saved by Gavin Bazunu. Substitute Lamine Cisse had a late opportunity to win the game for Stoke but hit his shot straight at the keeper. The draw leaves Blackburn four points above the relegation zone, while Stoke remains in the middle of the table. The result was a disappointing one for Stoke manager Mark Robins, who expressed his frustration with the team's performance. Blackburn's Michael O'Neill was pleased with the point, citing the difficulty of the away match and the importance of every point in the team's survival bid.