What makes the Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers rivalry one of Lancashire’s most enduring football contests? These two historic clubs have been battling it out on the pitch for well over a century, creating a rich tapestry of memorable matches, stunning goals, and fierce competition. While not officially labeled as a “Lancashire derby” (a term typically reserved for the Blackburn-Burnley matchups), the Preston vs Blackburn fixture remains a significant highlight in the English football calendar for fans across the northwest.
A century of competition
The rivalry between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers dates back to the early days of English football, with recorded matches between these two sides stretching back to at least the 1907/1908 season. Both clubs boast impressive histories in English football, with Preston famously known as the original “Invincibles” after their unbeaten league and cup double in the 1888-89 season, while Blackburn has claimed the league title multiplae times throughout their storied existence.
Over the decades, these two Lancashire clubs have faced each other in various divisions, from the top flight to the loewr leagues, maintaining their competitive spirit regardless of their standing in the football pyramid. The geographical proximity of the two towns, separated by just about 15 miles, has helped fuel this historic rivalry and ensured passionate encounters whenever they meet.
Recent head-to-head performance
In more recent times, Blackburn Rovers have often had the upper hand in this fixture. Since 2007, Rovers have secured 5 victories against Preston North End, demonstrating their effectiveness in front of goal with 29 goals scored during this period. This gives Blackburn an impressive average of 1.4 goals per game against their Lancashire neighbors.
The overall scoring record also favors Blackburn, with Rovers averaging 1.71 goals per game compared to Preston’s 1.12 goals per game in their head-to-head encounters. This statistical advantage highlights Blackburn’s historical offensive edge when these two sides meet, though Preston has certainly had their moments of triumph as well.
The competitive nature of this fixture is further evidenced by the significant number of draws – 14 in total – suggesting that despite Blackburn’s goal-scoring advantage, these matches are often closely contested affairs that could go either way.
Memorable matches through the years
The history books contain numerous notable encounters between these two Lancashire sides. The 1966/1967 season provided contrasting fortunes for both teams, with Blackburn securing a comfortable 2-0 home victory on September 7, 1966, only to suffer a more decisive 3-0 defeat when they traveled to Preston’s Deepdale stadium less than three weeks later on September 26.
The following season produced perhaps one of the most entertaining clashes in the rivalry’s history, when Blackburn Rovers emerged victorious in an eight-goal thriller at Deepdale on November 18, 1967, The 5-3 scoreline in favor of the visitors demonstrated the attacking flair that has often characterized matches between these two sides.
What makes this rivalry special
While the Preston vs Blackburn fixture might not receive the same national attention as some other rivalries, it holds special significance for several reasons:
- Both clubs represent proud Lancashire towns with deep football traditions
- The relatively short distance between the two locations ensures traveling support and local bragging rights
- The longevity of the rivalry, spanning well over a century of competition
- The competitive balance, with periods of dominance for both sides throughout their history
- The tendency for high-scoring, entertaining matches
For football fans in Lancashire, this fixture represents more than just another game – it’s a chance to claim local supremacy and continue a sporting tradition that has been part of the region’s cultural fabric for generations. Whether at Deepdale or Ewood Park, Preston vs Blackburn matches continue to deliver the passion and intensity that make English football rivalries so compelling.