Adam Forshaw scored a rare goal to help Blackburn secure a crucial 1-1 draw against Stoke City in a Championship fixture on Saturday. The midfielder’s strike, his first since February 2025 and only his third in ten years, put Blackburn ahead in the 21st minute at Stoke’s home ground. Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, on loan from Crystal Palace, equalized for Stoke in the 56th minute, denying Blackburn a full three points in a match pivotal to their survival campaign.

Forshaw’s goal came after a well-worked move involving teammates Ryoya Morishita and Yuki Ohashi, with Ryan Alebiosu providing a cross that Forshaw finished from 20 yards. The former Leeds and Middlesbrough midfielder’s contribution was notable given his infrequent scoring record, highlighting his ongoing value to Blackburn’s lineup amidst a challenging season.

Stoke began the second half with renewed energy, and their pressure paid off when Million Manhoef breached Blackburn’s defense and delivered a cross to Rak-Sakyi, who managed to bundle the ball into the net from close range. Despite the equalizer, Stoke ended the match with 10 men after Ash Phillips, a former Blackburn defender on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, was sent off for a second yellow card in the 87th minute.

Blackburn manager Michael O’Neill, who returned to Stoke as an opposing coach, praised Forshaw’s performance, describing the goal as a demonstration of the player’s enduring quality. O’Neill also acknowledged the challenges his squad faces, citing personnel shortages as a factor affecting the team’s performance as they fight to avoid relegation.

Stoke manager Mark Robins expressed frustration at the result, reflecting on a recent 12-game period during which his team had been among the top two in the standings. He attributed the loss of momentum to injuries that have depleted the squad, a situation that continues to hinder Stoke’s consistency this season.

This encounter marked O’Neill’s fourth return to face Stoke this season, following previous meetings involving former managers Alex Neil, Nathan Jones, and Gary Rowett. The draw leaves Blackburn cautiously optimistic in their quest for Championship survival, while Stoke aim to regain the form that had placed them in promotion contention earlier in the campaign.