Match report: Huddersfield Town 0 - 0 Bristol Rovers

Jan 20 2010 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN were frustrated as Bristol Rovers emerged from their weather-enforced hibernation to force a goalless draw at the Galpharm.

TOWN were frustrated as Bristol Rovers emerged from their weather-enforced hibernation to force a goalless draw at the Galpharm.

It was only the sixth time this season that Lee Clark’s side have failed to score as hopes of a fourth successive home league win were foiled by the stubborn West Country side.

Town boss Clark made one change from Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Southend.

On-loan Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater came in for a first start since October in place of Tom Clarke, who dropped to the bench.

Also among the substitutes was new signing Krystian Pearce, the centre-back brought in from Premier League Birmingham City.

Bristol Rovers were in action for the first time since December 28 and aiming to avoid an eighth successive away defeat.

Drinkwater was soon in the groove, directing operations as Town opened with some patient passing moves.

His 13th-minute free-kick was volleyed wide by Peter Clarke, then his pass to Lee Peltier brought a cross which Danny Coles did well to head clear.

Rovers’ Danish keeper Mikkel Anderson, on loan from Reading, made an impressive double save as Town conjured their first effort on target after 18 minutes.

Peter Clarke played a diagonal ball to right-back Peltier, who in turn picked out Anthony Pilkington.

The winger’s cross was met by Drinkwater, whose well-struck shot was parried, then Jordan Rhodes’ follow-up header was pushed away.

Rhodes turned neatly on the edge of the area in the 31st minute, but took a touch too many, allowing Byron Anthony to tackle.

Then, in the 37th minute, Gary Roberts almost caught the visitors out with a low 35-yard drive which went just wide of Anderson’s left-hand post.

Other than a couple of corners, little had been seen of Bristol as an attacking force, but Town had a huge let-off two minutes before half-time.

Having looked comfortably in control, the home defence was static as Jo Kuffour played in Mark Wright.