Aston Villa 1 Brighton 2

Whena Chris Hughton got the sack 18 months ago, one of the principal reasons for the decision was the dire quality of the football.

No one would complain after  yesterday’s compelling game which had just about everything: 3 goals, ding-dong action, a penalty not awarded after VAR in the closing minutes and Brighton’s best player Tariq Lamptey red-carded.

Danny Welbeck seems to have ended the goal drought, for his opening goal he ran the full length of the Villa half (not bad for a 30 year old). He and Neil Maupay form a useful partnership up front but Brighton rely on a settled back three of Webster, Dunk and White, two wing  backs Lamptey and Solly March who work so hard and the evergreen Pascal Gross alongside Adam Lallana and Yves Bissouma.

Personally I would play Leandro Trossard who with his shooting is a match winner.

This was our first ever victory at Villa Park and our second away win. After the game I spoke to Alan Tanner.

He said Fulham have only one point and that difference might well mean Brighton stay in the Premiership and Fulham do not.

Finally a word on the cricket.

James Kirtley, one of the heroes of the Championship side of 17 years ago and ex -leggie Ian Salisbury have been appointed joint coaches.

Hopefully by April and the vaccine will be kicking in and Sussex CCC and the Sharks in the T20 will have a full season.