The Tanner Report: Brighton v Fulham
The two fixtures I was most looking forward to, Brentford and Brighton have come in successive weeks. Ivan Conway will be reporting on the game but I have been allowed to do the preview.
With our old boys, Aaron Hughes, David Stockdale and Darren Bent in the Brighton side, it’s very much a meeting of old friends. Aaron Hughes who played alongside Brede Hangeland in the famous Thames Barrier, one of the finest central back pairings we have ever had, will especially get a warm welcome from the 3000 Fulham fans travelling to the game.
The goalkeeping coach Antii Niemi and the club doctor also were at Fulham and I understand in the stands will be Alan Mullery, former Brighton manager and now club ambassador, who captained Fulham’s Cup Final side of 1975.
As for this game, Kit Symons will be anxious to get the boys back on track after a gutless performance at Brentford. He will not be helped by the absence of three defenders Dan Burn (suspended) and Amorebieta and Hoogland (injured). We have been leaking goals all season, especially away from home. Ivan tells me that Brighton’s forwards are goal-shy but their defenders chip in from set pieces.
There should be a cracking atmosphere in the Amex with their largest crowd of the season. I have taken up Ivan’s invitation in the 1901 club so will have to be on my best behaviour. My prediction? A draw.
