PNE players warming-up ahead of the derby with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood ParkPNE players warming-up ahead of the derby with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park
PNE players warming-up ahead of the derby with Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park

PNE player ratings: Blackburn Rovers 1 Preston North End 0

Preston North End were beaten by Blackburn Rovers in the Lancashire derby at Ewood Park on Saturday.

The Lilywhites were unbeaten in five previous visits to Ewood, winning three times and drawing twice. Their last defeat there came 20 years ago in January 2001.

Having had the better of the first half, North End fell behind in the 53rd minute to a Ben Brereton Diaz goal.

It was a lead Rovers sat behind the ball to defend and the visitors were unable to find a way through for an equaliser.

Here are the PNE player ratings, with captain Alan Browne the starman.

It was a lead Rovers sat behind the ball to defend and the visitors were unable to find a way through for an equaliser.