Rovers denied top spot

Rovers denied top spot

Published Feb. 13, 2013 6:15 a.m. ET

Derby boss Nigel Cough felt his side were unlucky to lose as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at high-flying Hull City on Tuesday evening.

Goals from home debutant Gedo, within 90 seconds of his half-time introduction, and Ahmed Elmohamady were enough to secure the win over the visitors, who had levelled on 84 minutes through Jamie Ward only to concede soon after.

"It would have been a thoroughly deserved point. It was a very good away performance at one of the favourites for promotion and I can't ask any more from our players whatsoever," he said.

Clough said he felt there was a handball in the build-up to Hull's winner, adding: "That's two major decisions in four days that have gone against us."

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Gareth Roberts was shown a late red card for a high tackle on Nick Proschwitz and Clough said the Rams would not appeal the decision.

"He's gone for the ball definitely, but with the ball being off the ground he has to be off the ground as well.

"We don't usually appeal these things unless it's blatantly obvious, so I don't think we will be, but it certainly wasn't intentional."

Rovers went into the game behind leaders Tranmere in League One on goal difference but their failure to beat mid-table Dons coupled with Bournemouth's victory over Crewe has instead seen the south-coast side take the summit by virtue of a point.

It was the Dons' first visit to the Keepmoat Stadium and they started brightly, Izale McLeod twice firing just past a post either side of Andy Griffin's similar effort at the other end.

Billy Paynter blasted a good chance over the crossbar for Rovers towards the end of the first half.

A scrappy second period hardly looked like providing a winner, with both keepers untroubled as attacks failed to breach either defence.

McLeod blasted well off target in the 86th minute after a home attack had broken down, summing up a largely forgettable night for the 6,423 present.

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