Brighton 1 Fulham 1

The Rust Sports desk called it the Alivan Derby as of course Alan  Tanner was my guest for this match.

It ended honours even with the Seagulls dominating the first half against a passive Fulham.

Evan Ferguson deservedly gave us the first half lead but, after Jaoa Pahlinha equalised with a superb strike in the second half, it was the Cottagers who controlled the game.

Head coach Roberto de Zerbi had to make a number of substitutions as doubtless many on the pitch were exhausted after Ajax’s defeat last Thursday and the driving rain did not help.

Oddly, Kauru Mitoma played both games from start to finish.

It was only Fulham keeper Bernd Leno that kept Fulham in the game in the first half but in truth Brighton did not maximise their 72% possession and Pahlinha – who equalised in the second half – seemed to elbow Pascal Gross but avoided a red card.

An article in the programme detailed the close connections between the two clubs.

Too many players to detail had played for either – and both – and a few managers too.

From Jimmy Langley to Peter O’Sullivan, from Simon Morgan to Bobby Zamora, players had played for both teams with distinction and in our own way we reflected a friendly rivalry that is never as bitter as that between Crystal Palace and Brighton.