Blackburn 1-1 Bristol City: Sam Gallagher salvages Rovers a draw

Sam Gallagher's second-half header earned Blackburn a 1-1 draw against Bristol City to salvage what could prove a crucial point in the relegation battle.

Rovers looked to be heading for a second feeble home defeat in succession following Tammy Abraham's 25th goal of the season in the 14th minute.

Tony Mowbray's side looked devoid of ideas and the Robins could have added to their advantage through Matty Taylor and Abraham, but Gallagher headed home a 71st-minute leveller to leave Rovers one point from safety with three games
remaining.

City have only won one of their last 17 away league games, but are four points ahead of the drop zone.

Both sides opted for unchanged line-ups after victories in their last games. The hosts conceded from City's first attack when Abraham sprung the offside trap to latch on to Jamie Paterson's through-ball and his nonchalant flick from 12 yards evaded David Raya.

Blackburn responded with a first effort of their own, but Gallagher's header was easy for goalkeeper Frank Fielding. It was the visitors who looked more likely to add to the scoring as Josh Brownhill and Paterson forced routine saves from Raya, who then had to be alert to dive low down to his left to thwart Korey Smith's 30-yard drive half an hour in.

Abraham could have added to his impressive tally before the break when Tommie Hoban's headed clearance fell invitingly to him, but he volleyed wildly over.

Blackburn's best chance of the half came in the final minute when the ball ricocheted kindly to Hope Akpan, but his effort was tame.

The Robins should have doubled their lead minutes after the restart when Brownhill's superb flick took him clear of two Rovers players, but Taylor blazed the cutback over when well placed.

Raya kept his team in the game in the 58th minute with a stunning save to deny Abraham, whose close-range effort from Paterson's pass looked destined for the net until the sprawling goalkeeper intervened.

Brownhill shot straight at Raya soon after and the visitors were made to pay in the 71st minute when Elliott Bennett's deep cross was met at the back post by Gallagher, who skilfully guided his header back across goal for his 12th of the season.

The goal have Blackburn a lift and Jason Lowe lashed a 25-yard drive just wide before Gallagher saw a penalty appeal waved away after he went down under the attention of Smith. The hosts could not force a winner, but the draw felt like a point gained.

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray:

"The frustration was the goal we let in really. We ultimately tried to play offside and it was a really sloppy decision from us. And yet the story of the game was the changes we made, the way the team clawed their way back into the game and then, for us, ultimately a penalty decision that wasn't given, that having watched it back looks a clear penalty kick.

"I'm not sure why it wasn't given to be honest. He's goal side, he's inside, he's running into the box with control of the ball and the boy falls on the back of his legs and brings him down and I'm not sure why it wasn't given, but there you go."

Bristol City boss Lee Johnson:

"I thought it was outstanding, our performance today. My only criticism really is we should have put it to bed. We have to make sure we're more clinical with our chances because we created numerous ones.

"I thought the goal was outstanding, I think it was 31 passes that led to the goal, so my analyst tells me. It shows that we have a bright young side that has to do a job this year and then we can kick on."