Stoke City dropped further points in the Championship promotion race as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Preston North End at the bet365 Stadium. The result leaves Stoke in 10th place, having now won just two of their last nine league matches, while Preston remain in play-off contention, fifth in the table.

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Stoke Dominate but Struggle to Score

After a bright start from Preston, it was Stoke who created the better chances throughout the match. Divin Mubama, on loan for Stoke, had a golden opportunity after receiving a precise cross from Mohammed Lawal, but he fired wide from a tight angle. Defender Ashley Phillips also saw a shot deflected over the bar, while Jordan Storey’s header from a set-piece was comfortably saved by Preston goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

Late in the game, Sorba Thomas curled a dangerous effort from the left side of the area, only for Iversen to pull off a brilliant save to preserve the stalemate. Stoke’s finishing woes continue, having scored just two goals in their past five matches.

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Preston Show Defensive Resilience

Despite serving a touchline suspension, Preston manager Liam Heckingbottom’s team demonstrated their trademark defensive discipline. Early chances from Thierry Small were thwarted by Stoke keeper Viktor Johansson, while the visitors’ structured defensive approach limited Stoke’s attacking opportunities in key moments.

Preston, known as the league’s draw specialists, have now drawn ten league games this season, more than any other team in the Championship. Their consistency at picking up points, even without winning, keeps them in contention for the play-offs.

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Managers’ Reactions

Stoke manager Mark Robins acknowledged his team’s good performance but expressed frustration at missed chances:

“It is a point more than we got last Saturday, so I will take that… We created quite a lot and were on top in all the metrics… It was just the final bit, the finish, where we have been in really good positions but have failed to hit the back of the net.”

Preston assistant manager Stuart McCall praised his team’s defensive discipline and resilience:

“A really hard-fought, well-deserved point at a really difficult place… We defended a lot against corners, throw-ins, and free-kicks… Going forward, we didn’t pick the right options at times, but it’s a point away from home, and you have to accept that.”

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Key Moments and Player Performances

• Viktor Johansson (Stoke City) – Key saves to maintain a clean sheet, earning player of the match.
• Divin Mubama (Stoke City) – Created a strong chance but missed a crucial opportunity.
• Daniel Iversen (Preston North End) – Outstanding performance to keep a clean sheet, including a late save from Sorba Thomas.
• Ashley Phillips (Stoke City) – Threatened from distance, with a deflected effort over the bar.

Final Score: Stoke City 0–0 Preston North End

The result leaves Stoke frustrated in their promotion push, while Preston continue to benefit from their reputation for drawing matches, remaining firmly in play-off contention.