Report: Rovers Earn Point at the Withdean

Brighton and Tranmere played out a rather uneventful encounter on Saturday in a game that was crucial for both sides.

There was one change to the side that had wiped the floor with Oldham last week as the suspended Ryan Shotton was replaced by Gareth Edds at right back meaning the team looked like this...

Brighton started much the better team and had the first chance as Dean Cox volleyed wide and shortly afterwards Brighton's target man Glenn Murray missed the target twice, first with a left footed effort and a then with a header.

Murray again missed the target by instead firing over whilst at the other end Barnett was inches off connecting with Eddy Sonko's cross.  Soon after, Barnett had a fair penalty shout turned down for Rovers as he appeared to be hauled down by Andrew Whing.

Charlie Barnett (left) was Rover's midfield Key

Danny Coyne brilliantly denied Cox  by turning his long range effort around the post for one of the saves of the season and shortly afterwards Ian Moore came close to giving Rovers the lead but his shot was kept out by Kuipers.

Davies headed wide for Brighton but Tranmere started to up their game as half-time approached and Moore again tested Kuipers whilst Murray headed over for the host at the other end before the break.

Half Time: Brighton and HA 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers 

Charlie Barnett had the first attack of the second half as Kuipers could only parry his decent effort before Bangura then tried an audacious lob over Coyne but the Rovers stopper was in control and saved comfortably.

Craig Curran came on to replace Ian Moore but the next two chances would fall to Rovers skipper Antony Kay.  His first effort was deflected out for a corner and his second superb effort was matched by a great save from Kuipers.

Davies then tested Coyne and Kay had another effort blocked as both sides had to settle for a point in a reasonably dull encounter.

Full Time: Brighton and HA 0 - 0 Tranmere Rovers