Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers share one of Lancashire’s most enduring football rivalries. Dating back to the late 19th century, these two clubs have faced each other numerous times across various competitions, creating a rich history of memorable encounters. Their rivalry represents more than just local pride—it showcases the competitive spirit of Northwest English football..
Historical context of the rivalry
The rivalry between Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers dates back to 1889, when they first met in competitive play. Both clubs were founding members of the Football League, giving their contests historical significance. Their first recorded match on November 2, 1889, saw Preston secure a 4-3 victory at Blackburn.
The teams have since competed across multiple divisions, including League Division One and the Championship. Their long-standing competition has created a fixture that fans from both sides eagerly anticipate each season.
Head-to-head record and recent encounters
Preston North End holds the historical advantage in this fixture, with 27 wins in their overall head-to-head record. Blackburn Rovers have been less successful, winning just 4 of their last 17 matches against Preston.
Recent encounters have produced mixed results. Blackburn secured an impressive 4-1 away win at Preston in April 2022, but Preston responded with their own 4-1 victory at Blackburn in December 2022. The teams drew 1-1 in April 2023 and played out a 2-2 draw in February 2024. Their most recent meeting in September 2024 ended in a goalless stalemate.
| Date | Result | Competition |
|——|——–|————-|
| September 22, 2024 | 0-0 | Championship |
| February 17, 2024 | 2-2 | Championship |
| April 22, 2023 | 1-1 | Championship |
| December 10, 2022 | Preston 4-1 Blackburn | Championship |
| April 25, 2022 | Preston 1-4 Blackburn | Championship |
Scoring patterns and performance metrics
The scoring record between these teams reveals interesting patterns. Preston North End has been more prolific historically, averaging 1.76 goals per game across all meetings, Blackburn Rovers trail slightly with an average of 1.71 goals per match.
Home advantage appears significant in this fixture. When playing at Ewood Park, Blackburn Rovers have typically outscored Preston. The matches have often been high-scoring affairs, with several encounters featuring five or more goals.
The defensive performances have varied over time, with both teams experiencing periods of dominance, Recent fixtures have demonstrated the unpredictable nature of this derby, with both blowout victories and tight contests.
Significance in Lancashire football
The Preston vs Blackburn Rovers fixture represents one of the oldest derbies in English football. Both clubs have deep roots in Lancashire, contributing to the intensity of their rivalry. Their matches attract significant local interest and media coverage.
The geographical proximity of the clubs—separated by just 15 miles—adds to the derby atmosphere. Fans from both sides consider this fixture a highlight of their season, regardless of where their teams sit in the league table.
The rivalry continues to evolve as both clubs strive for promotion to the Premier League. Their contests serve as a barometer for Lancashire football’s competitive landscape and remain an important fixture in the Championship calendar.