CRAIG Short was denied his first Rovers goal by a controversial decision from a linesman at the Bescot Stadium last night.

The Rovers central defender seemed to have put his team 2-0 ahead in first-half stoppage time when he claimed the last touch to a Christian Dailly header from a Jason Wilcox corner.

But the celebrations were cut short as the flag had been raised for a foul.

Rovers boss Brian Kidd said afterwards: "He said it had been disallowed for pushing."

The players continued their protests as everyone left the pitch at the half-time whistle and Short said: "We couldn't understand why the linesman made the decision and not the referee. He said there had been some pushing but the referee was much closer to things.

"I'll be interested to see that one on the video. It would have been my first goal for about three years."

Walsall, however, maybe felt justice had been done as they claimed Adrian Viveash had been fouled as he conceded a first-half penalty for handling.

Manager Ray Graydon said: "He (Viveash) was pushed and, when you are off balance, an arm comes out."

When it came to Rovers' disallowed goal, however, Graydon was much more diplomatic.

"I can't talk about referees' decisions and I never comment on what they do. I didn't get a clear picture of it and I would not criticise a referee at any stage.

"If a referee makes a decision that some people say is wrong, I can't alter it. But I can make sure my players do their job at all times."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.