In a thrilling Lancashire derby, Preston secured a 2-1 victory against Blackburn, with Liam Lindsay’s 90th-minute header proving decisive. The intensity of the match was evident as Alan Browne’s skillful first-half goal was answered by Sammie Szmodics’ 10th of the season shortly after the restart. Despite Blackburn’s pressure, Lindsay’s late goal lifted Preston to fourth in the Championship, ending a streak of three consecutive away defeats.
The match was more than just the scoreline, featuring woodwork rattling moments for both teams. Blackburn’s Arnor Sigurdsson and Andrew Moran hit the crossbar in the first half, while Preston’s Duane Holmes did the same in the second. Despite Blackburn’s dominance, they couldn’t work goalkeeper Freddie Woodman enough, leaving them four points outside the play-offs.
Preston had an early opportunity when Milutin Osmajic’s cross found Holmes, but his shot was blocked by Callum Brittain. The hosts dominated, coming close in the 20th minute when Tyrhys Dolan’s cross met Sigurdsson, whose volley struck the crossbar. Will Keane missed a free header, but Preston took the lead in the 35th minute with Browne’s exquisite left-footed shot after Brad Potts’ precise crossfield pass.
Blackburn responded strongly, with Moran’s shot blocked by Potts and another hitting the crossbar before halftime. They equalized in the 49th minute, as Moran set up Szmodics for a calm finish. Blackburn continued to press, with Szmodics testing Woodman, who made a crucial save.
The game swung back and forth, with Holmes hitting the post just after the hour mark. Woodman’s alert save denied Brittain late in the game. However, Preston clinched the victory in the final moments when Ben Whiteman’s perfect cross was headed in by Lindsay, sparking celebration among the 6,000 visiting fans.