[Archived] News Article -> 2011/12 Full-Time: Rovers 1 Aston Villa 1

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Rovers picked up a valuable point thanks to a resurgent second-half performance, but should be grateful that the game wasn't well out of sight by half-time.

Villa started brightly and were quickly dominant as the home side struggled to get hold of the ball. Robinson was forced into several early saves, but could do little to stop N'Zogbia from scoring when the Frenchman picked up the ball on the edge of the box and slammed home a half-volley. Villa continued to push forward and N'Zogbia would have grabbed his second of the day had it not been for a fine save from Robinson.

The end of the half was met by a chorus of boos, but it was Rovers who started the second half the best and pegged Villa back as they played with the pace and purpose that had been missing in the opening 45 minutes. Both sides had a string of half-chances, but the home side were clearly on top and Pedersen went closest to equalising when his shot from distance forced Given into a good save. It looked as though Rovers might be unable to make their pressure tell, but with only 5 minutes to play Orr put in a wonderful cross that was met by Dunn at the back post and the midfielder made no mistake.

The goal seemed to wake Villa up and both sides pushed for a winner, but in the end neither could grab the winning goal. The point sees Rovers move two points clear of Bolton and Wigan at the bottom and stay level on points with Wolves and QPR, but they remain in the relegation zone on goal difference.

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