Brighton 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1

This may well be remembered as the the most memorable game so far at the Amex. After a tepid first half when ended on equal terms, we saw a saved penalty, 3 red cards and a stirring fight back from the Seagulls which was consummated by the PA system playing the theme of The Great Escape after the final whistle.

There is bit of form between these two teams. Last season we finished 15 points above Wednesday only to be beaten by them in the play-offs. In the second leg we threw everything but the kitchen sink at them but could not overcome the 2-0 deficit at Hillsborough. This season we won there. Wednesday came to the game in form having beat Newcastle away and Huddersfield at home. Alan reported that at Craven Cottage they use time wasting and other borderline ploys and tactics.

Brighton invariably create a chance early doors which they fail to convert and this happened last night after Anthony Knockaert’s cross. It was Knockaert that put us the lead after a clever Hemed pass which he converted from a oblique angle. Wednesday with one man Forestieri up front did not play with much ambition but lady luck favoured them when a cross first struck Shaun Duffy then Lewis Dunk and left keeper Stockdake bereft and speechless. In the second half Wednesday were the more ambitious and in a ten minute spell overwhelmed the Albion. Surely they must score after chance after chance went begging? Then a fierce shot was hurtling at Glenn Murray’s face who put up two hands to protect himself. I thought though handball to send him off was harsh. Not only did Stockdale save the partly he somehow got off the ground to deflect the second shot side. It was the best double save I have seen since Jim Montgomery’s in the 1973 Cup Final v Leeds. I had still had little hope for Brighton but such is the spirit in a side that never gives in or up they began to take the the game to Wednesday. It was no surprise when after a teasing low cross from Sebastien Pocagnoli, Knockaert scored what proved to the winner. We still had drama with 2 Sheffield  players red carded.

There was much jubilation in the bar afterwards and the car home. I kept my thoughts to myself. Brighton look to be in a strong position for automatic promotion. Undoubtedy they will need strengthening in the fullback, left midfield and striking departments but to decimate the side by bringing in 7 or 8 players would be to lose the spirit that got them up  in the first place. We have 100% faith in Chris Hughton who has a reputation for supporting his players. Speaking to Alan afterwards he drew an analogy 20 years ago with the Micky Adams promotion side without whom Al Fayed would not have bought the club and who were callously discarded after he did. Ironically many of them, including Micky Adams, came to Brighton where he obtained promotion.