Sub Gary Roberts grabbed an 86th minute equaliser as the Blues drew 1-1 at Royal Antwerp. The home side had gone ahead with 10 minutes remaining.

Antwerp came close to going in front in the eighth minute, a shot rattling the crossbar with Neil Alexander well beaten.

Pablo Couñago went near from a Jon Walters pass, then Tommy Miller and Gavin Williams, twice, both almost opened the scoring during a goalmouth melee.

Couñago headed a David Wright cross over on 23, before Alexander pulled off a fine save, tipping the ball over. A 25-yard freekick flew over the bar, although the referee appeared to have been conned into the award by a diving Belgian.

Four minutes before the break, Couñago turned and laid the ball off to Miller who shot tamely to the keeper.

Town had enjoyed the better of a first half played at around 80% in sunny conditions in the almost Soviet-style Bosuilstadion.

Alexander made an easy save on 52, prior to a harsh offside flag against Alan Lee. Soon after, Couñago turned and shot from 20 yards, but well over.

The Spaniard was sent through by strike partner Lee three minutes later but the former Málaga man overran the ball and the keeper claimed.

Miller shot well wide, before Jim Magilton started to introduce his subs, Danny Haynes replacing Couñago on 70. Two minutes later, Fabian Wilnis and Gary Roberts took over from Jason De Vos and Gavin Williams with George O'Callaghan and Billy Clarke introduced for Jon Walters and Owen Garvan on 77.

The home side went in front in the 80th minute from a break down the left. The ball was crossed low into the box and was stabbed home from close range.

Shane Supple was introduced as an outfield sub in the 81st minute for Alex Bruce, who appeared to have hurt his foot. Supple, who we understand is a decent enough outfield player, put in a lively nine minutes at left-back making one or two confident overlaps.

With six minutes remaining Wilnis hit a shot from a corner which was blocked, Lee hitting the rebound well over.

Town got back on terms on 86 after Billy Clarke received the ball from a Tommy Miller lay-off and made an impressive run into the box before finding Roberts eight yards out, from where the former Accrington Stanley man made no mistake.

The Blues were mostly on top during the second half but with little penetration, neither of the Antwerp keepers being particularly tested.

Town: Alexander, Wright, Harding, De Vos (Wilnis 72), Bruce (Supple 81), Garvan (O'Callaghan 77), Williams (Roberts 72), Miller, Walters (Clarke 77), Lee, Couñago (Haynes 70).

Thanks to Altpib for the report.

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