Stoke Edge Past Blackburn 2-1 as McGlynn's Free-Kick Proves Decisive
Jack McGlynn's long-range free-kick helped Stoke City see off a late Blackburn Rovers fightback in a controversial Championship clash.
Stoke City won 2-1 away at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship on Tuesday night, with Jack McGlynn's free-kick proving the difference as the visitors held off a stoppage-time rally, according to Sky Sports Football.
Stoke had already taken the lead through a Blackburn own goal before McGlynn struck from distance, with Blackburn supporter Will writing on Yahoo Sports that the Rovers goalkeeper had been caught badly out of position for the set-piece, calling it a howler for being "so far out of his net for the miles out free kick".
Blackburn, who had struggled to get a foothold for long periods, hauled themselves back into the contest late on through Gudjohnsen, with Will noting that persistence eventually told after the own goal had put Stoke two to the good, paying off with what he described as "the first of Gudjohnsen's goals".
The hosts believed they had snatched a dramatic equaliser when Gudjohnsen appeared to add a second, only for the referee to rule it out, a decision that split opinion among those who watched it. Blackburn fan Martin called it a "perfectly good equalising goal" and questioned why it was chalked off, while Will argued the striker "didn't foul the player" and insisted the game "should have ended 2-2".
Stoke supporters took the opposite view. Skeppers, writing on the same Yahoo Sports fan thread, said it was "clearly a push on Wilmot by Gudjohnsen" and backed the official's call, adding that the referee "was spot on". Fellow Stoke fan Johno described the incident more cautiously as a "soft foul at the end but definite push".
Beyond the flashpoint, Stoke fans felt their side had been comfortably on top for most of the match. Skeppers called it "a great result again for Stoke" and rejected suggestions that the team had wobbled under pressure, writing: "We didn't buckle at all. We completely controlled that game."
Not every account was as positive about the spectacle itself. Blackburn fan Brian said he thought it had been "a poor game overall", with a lack of conviction from both sides, and called for "more fight and belief" from the Rovers squad going forward.
Blackburn's attention now turns to a meeting with West Ham, a fixture Will said he was hopeful about despite admitting concern that Rovers could be overrun if their recent home form does not improve.