Brighton 1 Spurs 1

Brighton achieved the one valuable point last night in a hard-fought game that should mean Premier status next season. Much has been made of the run-in that numbers Manchester City away, Manchester United at home and Liverpool away, but by then the position should be clearer. West Bromwich are doomed and,  of other two, Swansea and Southampton need 3 wins out of 5 if the Seagulls get no more points.

It was a typical Brighton performance where any shortfall in class was countered by an abundance of grit and team spirit. Pascal Gross, who has contributed to 45 % of the goals, again had a fine match and should be player of the year. Praise too to Matt Ryan in goal for two excellent and crucial saves.

Sadly, celebration was muted by a 30 minute wait in the official car Park. The stewards do not seem to have worked out a way of exiting some 400 cars in an orderly and prompt way and the wait led to angry scenes. Taxis are banned and supporters are urged to take the train. This does not suit all – one of our group has mobility problems – and the train is shared by all supporters.

Sussex CCC drew their  first game at Warwickshire. With the arrival of  Sharma, the Indian test opener, Rashid Khan the Afghan leggie who has done well in the IPL and – above all – coach Dizzy Gillespie, high hopes are held for the season and a return to the golden era of the noughties.