[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Half-Time: Rovers 1 Crystal Palace 1

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Rovers and Palace are level at half-time as Rovers are looking to ensure their survival. Palace took the lead through Dobbie, but Jordan Rhodes grabbed his 28th league goal of the season to level things up just before half-time.

The opening exchanges were fast and end to end as Palace pressed for a goal with their typical attacking and open style of play. Their pace up front was causing the Rovers back four considerable trouble, particularly when Zaha was able to run with the ball, but Rovers were able to occasionally threaten on the break. It appeared as though Rovers were suffering from the fact that many of the players were severely lacking match fitness and, as the half wore on, Palace began to assert themselves. In the 28th minute Dobbie danced around Hanley before firing past a helpless Sandomierski in the Rovers goal to put Palace in front. It was a deserved lead for the away side and Dobbie nearly grabbed his second minutes later when his free-kick whistled inches past the post with Sandomierski at full stretch.

With half-time approaching, King played a long ball into space and Rhodes fought off a defender to get to the ball first and lift it over the on-rushing Speroni. It was a delicate finish with the outside of his right foot and it was the kind of confidence and composure in front of goal that Rhodes has been showing all season.

A win would ensure that Rovers would stay in the Championship next season, but even a point could prove vital in their fight against relegation.

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