Brighton 1 Newcastle 2

This game lived up to its top-of the-table-billing in a high octane encounter but it was a measure of luck that swung the game the Magpies way. The Seagulls took an early lead from a penalty. It seemed harsh but the referee said he had warned the players about holding in the box and then penalised the offence with a penalty which Glenn Murray converted. Newcastle applied long bouts of pressure but did not equalise till very late in the second half. Atsu’s shot hit first Daryl Murphy, was going wide till it struck the ankle of Mo Diame and deflected in a parabola past Stockdale. This gave Newcastle the scent of the bloodhound to go for the winner. There was no intervention of Lady Luck for their winner, only fine technique. Matt Ritchie hit a 60 yard cross ball in the style of a quarter back. Bruno is capable experienced fullback but he was unsure whether to go for and head the ball or to hold back and face down Atsu. He opted for the lattter, Atsu trapped the ball superbly and crossed low for Perez to score the winner.

Newcastle have the strongest squad in the division. They can cope with loss of main striker Dwight Gayle. Daryl Murphy who came on scored freely for Ipswich. Conversely when left back Seb Poconogli had to be subbed after 20 minutes Brighton could only introduce young loanee Tomori in a baptism of fire. The post-match mood was sombre but Chris Hughton was putting a brave face on it. After all we are still in second place and third place Huddersfield play Newcastle next Saturday. Brighton go to Nottingham Forest this Saturday and host Rotherham next Tuesday. In short we are still on track for the automatic spot.

Finally had you watched the game on tv you would have had a better appreciation of the penalty and equaliser but you would have missed the atmosphere of a packed, rocking Amex which I would not have missed for anything.