Bolton strike late equaliser against Brighton

CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Brighton & Hove Albion were denied all three points by an injury-time equaliser away to Bolton Wanderers this afternoon.
Albion's Liam Rosenior. Picture by Angela BrinkhurstAlbion's Liam Rosenior. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst
Albion's Liam Rosenior. Picture by Angela Brinkhurst

Gary Madine headed home four minutes into stoppage time to make the final score 2-2, after Albion had led 2-0.

Dale Stephens fired home Brighton’s opener on 31 minutes, before Jamie Murphy added a second from Liam Rosenior’s low cross from close range four minutes later.

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Neil Danns pulled a goal back on 41 minutes, before Albion had Murphy red-carded for a challenge on Danns with 15 minutes to go.

Madine then headed home deep in injury-time to earn the hosts a point.

Brighton now lead second-placed Middlesbrough, who play their game in hand tomorrow, by four points. The draw increased their unbeaten run to nine games - their best to start a league season.

Speaking to www.seagulls.co.uk, Albion boss Chris Hughton said: “My first impression from 50 to 60 yards away was that he (Murphy) slipped and that he swept the lads feet away from him.

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“We were in a position last week at Wolves where a lad got sent off and his feet were off the ground, studs showing and he caught Liam Rosenior – that is my definition of dangerous play. Today, Jamie slipped and swept the lad’s feet away from him.

“The reaction of the player may have made the referee choose a red card instead of a yellow card. My opinion hasn’t changed; it is an awful decision and there is no doubt it has changed the game.

“They got the equalising goal from putting pressure on us and putting balls into the box and that wouldn’t have been the case if we had 11 players on the pitch, as we would have been able to put a little bit of pressure on them and the keep the ball further up the pitch. “

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