Stoke City Holds Off Blackburn Rovers with 1-1 Draw

Adam Forshaw scored his third goal in ten years, giving Blackburn a temporary lead in their 1-1 draw against 10-man Stoke City. Forshaw's goal in the 21st minute was his first since February 2025 and only his second since April 2016. However, Stoke City equalized in the 56th minute with a goal from Crystal Palace loanee Jesurun Rak-Sakyi. Stoke City finished the game a man down after Ash Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offense three minutes from time. The draw brings Blackburn four points above the relegation zone. Stoke City fans have grown accustomed to facing former managers, with Michael O'Neill being the fourth this season. O'Neill won 55 of his 143 games in charge of Stoke City before being sacked in 2022. In the first half, Blackburn took a deserved lead, with Forshaw scoring from 20 yards after a decisive counterattack. Stoke City responded well, with Sam Gallagher seeing a goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Eiran Cashin. Cashin came to Blackburn's rescue again, blocking Eric Bocat's shot. In the second half, Stoke City equalized after good hustling by Bocat gave Million Manhoef the chance to run at the Blackburn defense. Rak-Sakyi then almost doubled his tally but curled his shot wide. Moussa Baradji retaliated from long distance, but Gavin Bazunu saved comfortably. Substitute Lamine Cisse had the chance to win it for Stoke City late on but hit his shot straight at stranded keeper Balazs Toth. Stoke City manager Mark Robins addressed fans' disgruntlement, stating that the team must remember where they are and that they cannot go from a game away from relegation to promotion without Championship-ready players. Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill discussed their survival chances, saying that they cannot expect others to do them favors and that every point is crucial.