By Tim Hodges from the Amex
Brighton & Hove Albion 1 Blackburn Rovers 1
The Albion were denied a second win in a week by a fortuitous equaliser just after half time. A header by Rudy Gestede hit the crossbar and appeared to hit Christian Walton’s back and bounced over the goal line before Lewis Dunk could clear.
Albion went in front on 43 minutes, Gary Gardner almost scything in an Elliott Bennett cross.
Prior to this the only goalmouth action was a header from Gordon Greer towards his own goal, well dealt with by Walton before Gestede could capitalise.
As the second half started it was clear that Albion were content to sit on their lead. However, it was only eight minutes into the restart before Rovers equalised .
The Lancashire club looked the more likely to score in the period directly after their equaliser.
Gestede, with another half chance, could have created more misery for Albion.
But it was the Seagulls who finished the stronger.
Elliott Bennett had a good free kick well held by Jason Steele and Greer headed over from a Kazenga LuaLua free kick. Bizarrely the referee awarded Albion a corner which was sadly wasted.
Before the end Albion’s best chance fell to Sam Baldock who couldn’t quite get to a loose ball after Steele could only parry a Joe Bennett shot.
Albion’s lack of firepower in the final third was evident, Baldock best suited to balls in behind the Rovers defence. But the visitors soon adapted to and eradicated this threat.
Former Albion legend Kerry Mayo told Brighton and Hove News: “Albion at least didn’t lose but it was two points dropped as they lacked in the final third which was clear for all to see.”
Five things we learnt from Albion’s draw against Blackburn …
1) Both sets of fans were incredibly respectful of the remembrance period of silence impeccably observed
2) Sam Baldock thrives on the ball being played in behind the defence
3 Albion’s midfield players appear to be unaware of point two
4) Paddy McCourt can have an off game. Except for one late foray into the Blackburn box, substitute McCourt looked ineffectual
5) Albion fans still love Bobby Zamora, chanting his name as he appeared on the TV screens for QPR in the various bars around the Amex
