That scoreline only tells part of the story though as John Esutace's side did everything but find the net on a bonkers night at Ewood Park. Blackburn dominated the first half but didn't make their dominance count. Yuki Ohashi was twice denied by Victor Johnasson whilst Ryan Hedges was also denied by a last-ditch block when through on goal.
It was beginning to feel like the team were cursed and a cruel twist in the script was to come. Million Manhoef had already had one decent opportunity for Stoke but hit Aynsley Pears from close range. That was a far easier chance than the one he then went on to convert.
The forward fired in a powerful strike from the edge of the area to put the visitors into a fairly undeserved lead. They could've doubled that advantage on the counter-attack shortly after but Pears made a brilliant save to deny Manhoef. That could've been decisive but turned out immaterial.
Many Championship neutrals felt Stoke had signed the best goalkeeper in the window when Johnasson signed. He showed exactly why with a string of unbelievable saves. Tyrhys Dolan and Andi Weimann were both denied by wonderful saves.
Makhtar Gueye then headed over from a few yards, powering his effort down into the floor and over the bar. It was ridiculous that Rovers hadn't scored and were behind. Any hope of an onslaught in the final 10 minutes were ended when Stoke got a penalty.
Bae Junho was fouled by Danny Batth and Tom Cannon stepped up to seal the points. Midweek league matches hav.
