Albion boss Micky Adams has played down a tunnel clash with Rochdale substitute Michael Oliver.

The pair were involved in angry scenes after a dramatic finish to last night's 1-1 draw at Spotland.

Richard Carpenter curled Albion ahead in the 87th minute with a 25-yard free kick, but Lee Todd equalised with a similar free kick five minutes into injury time.

Adams then clashed with Oliver as the players came off, and they had to be separated by Oliver's team-mate David Flitcroft.

Adams, back on the bench following a 14-day dug-out ban, revealed: "It was just something he said. I didn't particularly like it but it was nothing really, just emotions running high."

The matter will not be taken any further by referee Peter Walton.

Dave Butterworth, Rochdale's ground safety officer, said: "I've had a word with the ref. He did not witness it, so he will not be reporting it."

Albion were annoyed that Walton played so much injury time.

Adams' assistant Bob Booker said: "The ref had put up three minutes and we were into five when they scored, which is frustrating."

Carpenter's spectacular fifth goal of the season, a carbon copy of his free kick at Aldershot in the FA Cup, looked certain to reward the Seagulls' superiority until Todd struck from slightly closer range.

Carpenter said: "It was a bit of a killer, but we will bounce back and go to Halifax on Saturday full of confidence.

"We were the better team and we deserved to be in front. Unfortunately they have done us with the last kick of the game."

Albion are now seven points behind leaders Chesterfield with a game in hand, and four clear of third-placed Cardiff, who are at home to Barnet tonight.

The Reserves face Brentford at Worthing tonight (7.00).