Andri Gudjohnsen's second-half header gave Blackburn Rovers a hard-earned 2-1 Lancashire derby victory at Deepdale, denying Preston North End the chance to climb into the Championship's automatic promotion places. In a contest shaped by set-pieces and fine margins, Lewis Miller's first Rovers goal was cancelled out almost immediately by Alfie Devine, before Gudjohnsen struck just after the hour to settle a tense evening.
The result underlined Blackburn's resurgence and away-day expertise. Valerien Ismael's side, who lost seven of their first 10 league matches, have now claimed four wins in their last five outings and moved up to 16th, six points off the play-off spots. It was also their fifth Championship away win of the campaign, a tally only leaders Coventry can better. For Preston, whose first league defeat since October 21 came at the worst possible moment, there was only frustration at wasteful finishing and two soft goals conceded from dead balls.
Preston's Fast Start Meets Pears's Resistance
The tone of the evening was set by a lively, open first 10 minutes in which Preston tried to impose themselves on their local rivals. Paul Heckingbottom's team started on the front foot, pressing high and moving the ball with energy in wide areas. The first clear sight of goal fell to Lewis Dobbin, who broke into the box on the left and drove a low left-footed effort that Aynsley Pears parried away, the Blackburn goalkeeper getting down sharply to his right.