Blackburn Rovers extended their unbeaten run to five games to move four points clear of the Championship relegation zone after a 1-1 draw against Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium.

Adam Forshaw put the visitors in front in the first half before Jesurun Rak-Sakyi hit back for the hosts early on in the second half.

Mark Robins' side was reduced to 10 men when Ashley Phillips was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card late on.

The Potters harboured play-off hopes earlier in the season, but the draw means they now sit 15th, with four games of the Championship season remaining.

Stoke had the first sight of goal inside nine minutes as Million Manhoef curled an effort just wide after good build-up play on the left between Eric Bocat and Sorba Thomas.

But after 21 minutes, Blackburn struck as Forshaw converted well from the edge of the area after being set up by Ryan Alebiosu.

Balazs Toth denied Sam Gallagher an equaliser six minutes later after he was found by Rak-Sakyi.

With half-time looming, Alebiosu hung the ball up to the back post, but Yuki Ohashi could not guide his header on target.

Stoke levelled four minutes before the hour mark when Rak-Sakyi applied a close-range finish to Manhoef's byeline cross.

Soon after, Rak-Sakyi was found by Lewis Baker but fired wide, squandering an opportunity to complete a turnaround.

Both sides pushed for a winner. At one end, Baker fired over, while a deflected Todd Cantwell cross forced Gavin Bazunu into action at the other.

Stoke's frustration was compounded when Phillips was dismissed for a second bookable offence after a challenge on Ohashi.

Stoke City manager Mark Robins told BBC Radio Stoke:

"We started off not great because the conditions were really difficult.

"I said before we had to be patient. Michael O'Neill was going to come and make sure Blackburn push every button they possibly can to make sure we frustrate the crowd because we don't move the ball enough.

"We want to try and be brave. There are positional things that happen that don't feel comfortable, but you have to be uncomfortable at times.

"First half, we didn't do enough, so we gave them some impetus. Their goal, we didn't get the press right at all, you've got to win your duels. Those are the non-negotiables.

"What I was pleased about was we kept playing and we got the equaliser. I thought we were well worthy of it and were the only team trying to win it."

Blackburn manager Michael O'Neill told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"Every point is important at this point in time. We'll take it.

"Having been ahead, you hope you can protect your lead. We didn't do that and rode our luck before half-time, to be honest.

"It was a poor goal to lose but the reaction at 1-1 was good. We knew we'd be under pressure in the second half.

"As the game progressed we looked like we could create something but ultimately we'll take the point."