Lancashire | Late drama boosts Blackburn survival hopes

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 0 Preston North End

Yuki Ohashi’s headed goal deep into stoppage time earned Blackburn a vital three points in their battle for Championship survival

Author | Josh T

Stadium |Ewood Park

The Japanese forward, introduced from the bench, supplied the decisive touch from Eiran Cashin’s deep cross in the final of five added minutes at Ewood Park, a contest that appeared set to drift to a goalless conclusion.

The win gives Blackburn Rovers a six point cushion above the relegation zone heading into the rest of the weekend and means Sheffield Wednesday will be relegated to League One on Saturday if West Bromwich Albion beat leaders Coventry City.

Preston North End struck the woodwork twice through Alfie Devine but managed only three shots in total, missing the opportunity to return to the play off places.

Ohashi gives O’Neill perfect start at home

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In a derby that rarely crackled into life, Blackburn supporters had to wait until the 95th minute for the game’s one moment of genuine quality.

From a throw in, possession was worked back to Cashin on the left and the defender delivered a deep cross into the area. Ohashi, among the smallest players on the pitch, found space to rise and guide a looping header back across goal and into the far corner beyond Preston goalkeeper David Cornell.

It prompted wild celebrations, with O’Neill slipping on the turf as he joined in. The significance of the moment was not lost on him or his players.

Very few expected that late drama

After a drab first half, Rovers showed greater intent following the interval, with Matias Jorgensen and Moussa Baradji both going close.

Preston’s forwards endured a subdued evening and rarely troubled Blackburn goalkeeper Balazs Toth, although they did come close early on. Devine’s deep corner evaded everyone and bounced off the top of the crossbar, while Lewis Dobbin forced a rare save with a sharp run and shot at the near post.

Devine went close again from a set piece, whipping a dangerous free kick through a crowded area that skimmed the post on its way out.

Paul Heckingbottom’s side enjoyed a brief spell of pressure after the introduction of Thierry Small just before the hour, but ultimately failed to make it count.

Having been sixth with the clock showing 94 minutes, North End could slip as low as 12th in a tightly packed Championship table if results go against them on Saturday.