Marseilles 2 Brighton 2/Europa League

Brighton achieved their first-ever point in European competition last night against Marseilles with a draw in their febrile but impressive Stade Velodrome, a spirited performance after going two down.

Brighton’s form has been impacted by the Europa League, sometimes involving 3 matches a week – one on a Thursday night and the Premiership game on Sunday.

The previous week in the championship Brighton were thrashed 1-6 at the hands of Aston Villa.

Brighton have a big squad but all this travelling and fixture disruption are taking its toll.

Separately, in a week when Brighton suffered two defeats by AEK Athens and Aston Villa, Sussex CCC has a unusual win over Gloucestershire.

Sadly the point deduction of 17 points has kicked in and Sussex finished third behind promoted Durham and Worcestershire.

The team is young with starlets spinner Jack Carson and all rounder James Coles both of whom I can see being poached by Surrey.

Sussex, unlike Brighton, seen to lack leadership both on and off the pitch.