Championship: Referee dominates Lancashire derby

Preston North End 0 - 0 Blackburn Rovers

This fixture between Preston and Blackburn ended goalless for the first time in 43 years.

Both teams struggled to create clear opportunities until the match suddenly came alive just before half-time. Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman parried Ryan Hedges’ shot into the path of Tyrhys Dolan, whose half-volley rattled the post.

Shortly after, Preston's Sam Greenwood was sent off for a poor challenge on Lewis Baker, yet his side finished the first half on the front foot.

Brad Potts forced a near-post save from Rovers keeper Aynsley Pears, who then pulled off a brilliant stop to deny Andy Hughes' header from the resulting corner.

At the break, Blackburn manager John Eustace made an attacking switch, bringing on forward Makhtar Gueye for midfielder Baker to exploit their numerical advantage.

6,000 Blackburn fans at Preston

Gueye had a tame effort comfortably gathered by Pears, who looked assured as Blackburn's defence held firm.

Tensions flared again late on when Oliver Beck, frustrated, lashed out at Holmes after a challenge. He was sent off for his reaction, also accusing North End substitute Milutin Osmajic of biting him in the ensuing melee, for which Osmajic was booked.

Pears was called into action again in the dying moments, saving shots from Ben Whiteman and Potts, ensuring Blackburn held on to secure a point.

EFL: 2024/2025 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)

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The view from the home end

Peter Jones is a Preston season ticket holder and has been impressed by his side's improved displays since they changed managers. He said: "So, the first derby finished without the scoreline being troubled. North End continue to build on what the new manager has started, and although the last two league games have been draws, the way we are performing gives us plenty of hope for the future. The point lifts North End out of the bottom three ahead of the trip to Millwall next week, a game now becoming an important milestone for the season.

"I said at the start of Hecky`s reign that it will take a while for North End to lose the habits gained under the previous manager and I have to say I like very much what I see, so far, under Paul Heckingbottom. It will take a while for this team to show its true potential but when it does the foundations will be built on solid ground which bodes well for the future."