Lancashire | Preston miss chance to put pressure on top two

Preston North End 1 - 2 Blackburn Rovers

A fascinating Friday night in Lancashire sees Blackburn edge out local rivals Preston

Author | Andrew Montgomery 

Stadium | Deepdale

Pre-match atmosphere

Andri Gudjohnsen headed in the decisive goal as Blackburn shocked Preston at Deepdale, dealing a setback to North End’s promotion hopes.

A win would have taken Preston up to second in the Championship, but Blackburn, so often at their best on the road, brought those aspirations to a halt.

Lewis Miller nodded Blackburn ahead with his first goal for the club shortly before the interval, only for Preston to hit back within 80 seconds through Alfie Devine after catching the visitors off guard.

Blackburn responded with purpose, and Valerien Ismael’s side claimed a fully deserved victory when Gudjohnsen struck again after the break, his fourth goal in five league matches.

The impact of this result

Pictures taken from a Blackburn fan in the home end

Blackburn’s win marks their fifth on the road in seven matches and their third in succession. It also extends a strong run that has seen them claim four victories from their past five outings, home and away.

For Preston, it will sting. This felt like a chance to put down a marker, yet they are now left to see how the rest of the weekend’s fixtures unfold. After Blackburn restored their lead, they faded badly. Their keeper and defence were called into action on numerous occasions, and they were potentially lucky to only lose by one goal.

Best Blackburn reaction

Kevin, a Blackburn supporter, said: "Great team performance by Blackburn, seemed to have more of an edge about us. Been unlucky with injuries, some additions in January will help. Hopefully start to pull away from relegation. Credit to the 5,000 travelling fans, made the home fans seem quiet. Bragging rights back where they belong."

Andri’s winner! 😍#PNEvROV | #Rovers 🔵⚪️pic.twitter.com/pqZlZqupXf

— Blackburn Rovers (@Rovers) November 21, 2025

Jamie added: "Well done Rovers. I was worried that PNE would come out all guns blazing in the second half but strangely it did not happen. Upwards we go. That was a proper derby game."