Albion had to settle for 0-0 Avon Insurance Combination draw at Bristol Rovers last night.

The Seagulls dominated but were unable to find a way past a resolute defence, in which goalkeeper Ryan Clarke stood out.

Lee Steele and Andy Crosby both played the first 45 minutes after their disappointing outing at Scunthorpe on Tuesday. Albion had the better of the early exchanges and a quick break down the right ended with Scott Ramsay crashing a shot into the side netting from a narrow angle.

Steele was foiled by a brave save from goalkeeper Clarke before Rovers went close to taking a 20th minute lead when Mark Cartwright came racing off his line, but was beaten to the lose ball by Clinton Ellis whose 35 yard lob bounced over the bar of an unguarded net.

Ramsay headed just over the crossbar and Freeman, Steele and Adam Hinshelwood all went close before the break.

The experienced Mark Walters went close for the home side, with a free kick in the opening minutes of the second half, and then goalkeeper Cartwright saved from Robbie Pethick.

Seagulls then took control again and Freeman, who had switched to a striking role when Steele went off at half-time, wasted a great chance of putting his side ahead when he passed to Rod Thomas instead of shooting.

Freeman then went close on a couple of occasions and then defender Nathan Jones got forward to crash a left-footed shot just wide of the upright.

Clarke saved Bristol in the closing minutes with a brave save at the feet of Freeman.

Albion: Cartwright; Hinshelwood, Jones, Crosby (Beech 45), Faroya, Wilkinson, Freeman, Johnson, Ramsay, Steele (Hammond 45), Thomas. Sub not used: Wojciechowski.

Booked: Wilkinson (51).