McGlynn free-kick helps Stoke beat Blackburn after late equaliser is ruled out

Stoke secured a 2-1 Championship victory at Blackburn on Tuesday, with Jack McGlynn's free-kick helping them withstand a late comeback at Ewood Park. The result gave Stoke eight wins in 11 matches, according to The Guardian's roundup, after Andri Gudjohnsen had a potential equaliser ruled out in the closing stages.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UwcH54LEcU

McGlynn broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute with his fourth goal of the campaign. From a position on the left where a delivery into the penalty area appeared likely, he instead went directly for goal. Moussa Baradji's own goal in the 68th minute subsequently doubled Stoke's advantage, leaving Blackburn needing two goals to recover a point.

Gudjohnsen brought the home side back into contention with a close-range finish in the 87th minute. Three minutes later, he headed into the far corner, but referee Andrew Kitchen penalised him for a push. The decision left the score at 2-1, and Stoke completed the win despite Blackburn's pressure in the final minutes.

Sky Sports' match report detailed the work goalkeeper Viktor Johansson had done before Stoke went ahead. He turned away Todd Cantwell's drive inside the opening four minutes and later saved a low effort from Hayden Carter. Blackburn had created opportunities before the interval, but those stops kept the visitors level until McGlynn supplied the opening goal.

Stoke also threatened after the break. Robert Bozenik was denied by Balazs Toth after being played through by Million Manhoef. The second goal followed another Manhoef effort: Toth saved, but Yuri Ribeiro's attempted clearance struck fellow substitute Baradji and went into the net. That two-goal lead proved decisive once Gudjohnsen pulled one back.

The managers disagreed over the disallowed header in comments carried by Sky Sports. Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray argued that Gudjohnsen was protecting himself rather than pushing his opponent, while Stoke manager Mark Robins supported the referee's decision. Robins also praised McGlynn's awareness and execution for the opening free-kick, the moment that had given Stoke the lead after their goalkeeper's earlier interventions.