After taking a vital three points from The Den midweek, Rovers went into today’s match against Crystal Palace with confidence.
Before kick off Jordan Rhodes was deservedly announced player of the season 12/13 much to the crowd’s delight.
Bowyer made three changes to the starting eleven replacing the injured Kaz, Dunn and Markus Olsson with Nuno Gomes, David Goodwillie and Josh King.
Rovers were slow to start and had to work hard to retain possession for much of the first 20 minutes. Palace began the half confidently, seizing every opportunity presented to them to try and break through.
Media focus Wilfred Zaha cuts inside of the box having succeeded in taking it past Josh Morris; Rovers put the ball out to prevent top scorer Murray from threatening Sandomierski’s goal.
Minutes later Stephan Dobbie beat Hanley, firing it into the back of Rover’s net in the 28th minute.
Rovers retaliated to the goal with increasing efforts to push the ball up field.
Eventually King receives a splendid ball from Morris who puts it forward for Rhodes to chase who proceeds to score a beauty just three minutes before half time.
The players are cheered as they return to the dugout and the presentation for goal of the season got underway. Ruben Rochina achieved third place with his complicated but awesome goal against Bristol City, Scott Dann was awarded second place for his insane thunder strike against Derby County but their can only be one winner – David Dunn’s late goal against rivals Burnley receives the award.
The two sides returned with a change in the Rovers squad seeing Morten Gamst Pedersen replace Nuno Gomes.
The second half is a lively performance from both sides. Rovers looked bright as they provided a spell of constant pressure which looked like it would result in a goal but they just could not put it away.
Palace responded with a counter attack resulting in a corner which allowed Jedinak a header which just clipped the crossbar and flicked over.
Rhodes tries to set up play with Goodwillie but he fires it over.
The last ten minutes consists mainly of a defensive Rovers desperately trying to hold the score with occasional breaks forward in an attempt to secure a last minute winner.
The game ended 1-1 which leaves Rovers pretty much safe – unless they concede 14 goals against Birmingham City on Saturday. Palace remain in stead to finish the season in the play-offs but Holloway will be disappointed his squad could not win the three points.
Player Ratings
Grzegorz Sandomierski
Has proven himself as a capable keeper recently and continued his reputation with a strong performance today.
Josh Morris
Won man of the match and thoroughly deserved it. Put in some great crosses, closed players down, chased the ball and retained it.
Grant Hanley
Another faultless performance, even went on another run following his striker streak in midweek game against Milwall!
Scott Dann
Solid partnership with Hanley once again and seems to be a good captain – motivates players.
Todd Kane
Another superb performance despite two or three errors. Should definitely try and sign him in the summer.
Lee WIlliamson
Good performance and fights for the ball although occasionally appears to lack a sense of urgency but could potentially just be a calm attitude.
Dave Jones
Seems to be settling down and contributing well to team performances. Works especially hard to get the ball up to Rhodes.
Josh King
Shows incredible potential and great pace but lacks in decision making, sometimes misjudges situations and releases ball too late or ends up losing it.
Nuno Gomes
Did not have his best game but tried hard and seemed to link up fairly well with Goodwillie.
David Goodwillie
Played exceptionally well in the second half, but was slow to start initially. Showing potential to improve more and more each game.
Jordan Rhodes
Awarded player of the season, equalised, scored his 27th Rovers goal – what else is there to say?!
Morten Gamst Pedersen
First ten minutes went well but had a dodgy shot and lost the ball a couple of times but on the whole helped to strengthen the midfield and linked well with Josh King.
Cameron Stewart
Came on for a few minutes so was unable to achieve much but from recent games appears better when he is used as a striker rather than a winger.
