'Rovers' energy deserved reward' - analysis

Blackburn Rovers needed a late goal from Augustus Kargbo to earn a point against Stoke City, who had threatened to take all three in a tight but entertaining Championship encounter at Ewood Park.

In the first half the visitors dominated possession and produced some neat football but it was Rovers who had the better chances, particularly through Andri Gudjonnsen, who squandered the best of them shortly before half-time.

It was goalless at the break but early in the second period Stoke moved the ball with more conviction and found their breakthrough on 49 minutes when Million Manhoef darted into space and slotted low past Balazs Toth.

It was a moment of quality in a game that up to that point had failed to deliver the cutting edge required.

Blackburn's response was initially subdued, their build-up play hampered by sloppy passing and the visitors well-organised back line, but the introduction of Kargbo and Yuki Ohashi injected much-needed urgency. Rovers began to play higher up the pitch, forcing mistakes and penning Stoke deeper into their own half.

Their efforts finally paid dividends eight minutes from time.

Cantwell's persistence enabled him to find Kargbo unmarked inside the six-yard box and the substitute guided an effort into the bottom corner to level things up.

The goal awakened the home crowd and set up a frantic finish in which Rovers looked the likelier to snatch victory, with Kargbo hitting a post and then heading wide from close range with just the keeper to beat.

Stoke were on the ropes in the closing minutes, surviving a flurry of corners and a late blocked effort from Sean McLoughlin.

In truth, the draw felt about right. Stoke's slick passing earned them their lead but Blackburn's energy and substitutions deserved reward.

Both managers will see positives - Blackburn's resilience and work rate and Stoke's fluent passing were highlights of a game neither side deserved to lose.