[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Half-Time: Rovers 0 Burnley 1

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Rovers are 1-0 down to Burnley at half-time at Ewood Park. It has been a fairly even first 45 minutes, but Burnley grabbed the lead from a set-piece in a match where there have been few chances. Rovers will feel that they should have had a penalty when the game was goalless, but as of yet the home side have failed to create any real goal-scoring opportunities.

The opening exchanges were fast and physical, but neither side was able to grab the ascendancy or create any real chances. One or two Burnley players were lucky to escape bookings for cynical fouls in their own half, but Rovers will feel most aggrieved by the fact that they were not awarded a penalty. Rhodes got his head to the ball first and he was caught in the face by a boot, leading to a bloody nose for the striker, but the referee waved play on.

Shortly after, Burnley created their first chance of the game, but Kean produced a fabulous save to tip Paterson's effort over the bar. That marked the start of a good spell for Burnley and they made it count when they took the lead from a set-piece. Wallace put in a fantastic delivery and Shackell headed onto the post when he should have scored, but was fortunate to see the ball rebound in his direction and he was able to react first and stab home to score his first goal for Burnley. The away side nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Wallace produced another fine set-piece, but this time his effort on goal clipped the post when Kean was stranded.

Rovers have failed to create any real chances and have passed up several opportunities to put the ball in the box from set-pieces in dangerous areas. They will undoubtedly feel hard done by, but will need to improve if they are to get back into this match and avoid losing to Burnley for the first time in 34 years.

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