[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Full-Time: Rovers 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 1

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Rovers were denied a first win under Michael Appleton as Brighton scored a penalty with virtually the last kick of the game. Rovers had been much the better side and will be bitterly disappointed by the result and it will be seen as two points dropped in their attempts to close the gap on the play-off sides.

Rovers started the better side, but neither team created any opportunities during the opening exchanges of the match. The first half-chance of the match fell to Jason Lowe after an incisive break from Rovers saw the England Under-21 midfielder get on the end of Kazim-Richards' cross, but Tomasz Kuszczak got down smartly to make the save and the Polish keeper was forced into another good save to deny Pedersen after he had neatly controlled the ball on his chest before quickly firing off a half-volley. It looked as though it would be scoreless at the interval, but Rovers were awarded a penalty when El-Abd was adjudged to have pulled Pedersen down in the box. Rhodes stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted home to score his 16th Rovers goal of the season.

The second half was similar to the first, with Rovers pressing forward and creating the occasional chance and Brighton offering little and it looked as though Rovers would be able to comfortably see out the match. If anything, it looked more likely that home side would double their lead and Jordan Rhodes nearly got his second, but Kuszczak produced a fine save to force the ball wide for a corner. As the match drew to a close, Brighton pushed further forward in search of an equaliser and, right as the fifth minute of injury time drew to a close, they were awarded a penalty when Goodwillie needlessly pushed Lopez in the back. Lopez picked himself up and drew Brighton level, with the match ending as soon as Rovers restarted the match.

It will be a bitterly disappointing blow for Appleton, the team and Rovers supporters, but they will no doubt be encouraged by the performance. Brighton were outplayed throughout the match and failed to test Kean right up until the penalty, but Appleton and the players will know that time is running out and that they will need to go on a good run if they are to close the gap on the play-off sides. It looks as though Rovers should prepare for another season in the Championship, but at least the Rovers faithful will have seen some decent football in return for braving the cold on a Tuesday evening.

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