A late strike from substitute Augustus Kargbo salvaged a point for Blackburn Rovers in a fiercely contested 1-1 draw against Stoke City, as both teams delivered a pulsating performance under the autumn skies at Ewood Park.

The Championship clash, which saw nearly 15,000 fans packed into the historic ground, was a showcase of determination and tactical discipline, with each side mounting sustained spells of pressure. Stoke City, who started the day just above Blackburn in the table, controlled possession in the early phases, but clear-cut chances proved elusive as both goalkeepers were equal to the task.

After a cagey first half, the breakthrough arrived four minutes after the restart. Million Manhoef, pouncing on a precise cross from Sorba Thomas, coolly slotted the ball past Balázs Tóth to give Stoke City a deserved lead. The Potters’ fluid movement in midfield, orchestrated by Jun-Ho Bae and Tomáš Rigo, began to stretch the Blackburn back line, and for a spell, Stoke looked poised to double their advantage.

Blackburn responded with urgency, pushing forward through Todd Cantwell and Andri Guðjohnsen, who tested Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson on several occasions. Valérien Ismaël’s tactical switches invigorated the hosts, with Kargbo’s introduction providing much-needed energy up front. The Rovers’ persistence paid off in the 82nd minute when Cantwell, drifting between the lines, threaded a deft ball through to Kargbo. The substitute showed composure to slot home the equalizer and ignite the home crowd.

Despite a late flurry of chances at both ends—Stoke pressing for a winner through Mubama, and Blackburn surging forward via Ryan Hedges—the two sides ultimately settled for a share of the points. Statistically, the teams were evenly matched: both finished with five shots on target and four saves apiece, with Stoke edging possession 53% to 47%. Fouls and yellow cards reflected the contest’s competitive edge, as both sides fought tenaciously for control in midfield.

This result keeps both clubs firmly in the Championship’s mid-table hunt and underlines their credentials as potential playoff contenders, with Blackburn’s late resilience and Stoke’s attacking flair offering plenty of promise for the weeks ahead.

Video highlights of the match, including Manhoef’s opener and Kargbo’s dramatic late leveller, can be found on the YouTube channel “Sky Sports Football” (3.2M subscribers), as well as official club channels.