MARK Hughes was left to ponder on what might have been as his Rovers picked up a useful point against Everton.

Rovers were rampant in the opening 45 minutes, but only had Roque Santa Cruz's 15th minute goal to show for their dominance.

Everton came to life eventually in the second half with James McFadden grabbing a leveller for the home side 12 minutes from time. But in the end the manager had to settle for the one point as the unbeaten start to the season continues.

"I thought we were exceptional in the first half," said Hughes after the game. "Some of our football was a pleasure to watch, some of our play, the angle of our passing and the way we were able to break quickly off Everton's attacking situations was exactly what we had worked on all week.

"We got the first goal, and in fairness to Everton I always thought it was important to push for that second but we weren't able to get it.

"So at 1-0 at half time you always knew there'd be a response from Everton, credit to them, they kept on knocking on the door.

"But we just need that second goal to take the game away from Everton, so there's a little bit of frustration that we haven't actually been able to see the game out."

Rovers had plenty of chances at Goodison Park, but came up against an inspired performance from Tim Howard between the posts for the home side.

"I have to say the Everton 'keeper was exceptional today, there was a great save in the first half from David Dunn, and if he had a lesser performance today I think we would have won comfortably.

"If you look at the game before the kick-off it was a difficult fixture for us. It is difficult to come here and take points off Everton because they are a very good side at home. But I thought in the first half some of our football was excellent and it looked like we were going to run away with it, we just needed that second goal, that second goal was crucial for us.

"But overall we can't be disappointed with the performance today."