Blackburn Rovers took the local bragging rights and put valuable space between themselves and the Championship relegation zone with a dramatic derby day win over Preston North End.

In Michael O'Neill's first home game in charge, Rovers welcomed local rivals Preston to Ewood Park, the visitors making the short trip east in need of a win to push their play-off claim.

It was Preston who made the brighter start to the game, rattling the woodwork just two minutes in, direct from a corner. Alfie Devine whipped an inviting ball in that almost crept underneath the crossbar, just clipping the frame of the goal.

There were few clear-cut chances outside of this for either side in the opening 45 minutes, with the game growing into life after the break.

Devine once again came close, finding the woodwork from another set-piece, this time a free-kick.

His delightful ball into the box evaded everyone and looked to be creeping into the far corner before clipping the post and falling to safety.

Both sides looked to their benches to find the edge, with Yuki Ohashi making a particularly strong impact for Blackburn.

Ohashi's energy and pace saw Rovers enjoy a period of dominance, somehow failing to take the lead when a ball across the box narrowly evaded the three attackers waiting to tap home.

It looked like the game was set to end goalless when the impressive Ohashi caused Ewood Park to erupt, heading home from Eiran Cashin's floated cross in the fifth and final minute of stoppage time.

The late drama means Blackburn now find themselves six points clear of the relegation zone, while Preston lose ground on the play-offs ahead of an important weekend in the Sky Bet Championship season.

Sky Bet Championship: Late strike takes Rovers to derby day glory

Sky Bet Championship: Late strike takes Rovers to derby day glory