Buckley double makes it a party at The Amex (From The Argus)

Buckley double makes it a party at The Amex

5:08pm Saturday 6th August 2011 in Albion By Brian Owen

Million pound man Will Buckley was the hero for Albion as they opened life at The Amex with a famous victory today.

Buckley, the summer signing thrown on as substitute, scored two late goals as the Seagulls came from one down to beat Doncaster 2-1.

He fired between keeper Gary Woods and his near post in the 83rd minute to level after Rovers failed to properly clear a free-kick.

Then, with Doncaster reduced to ten men by injury, he raced away deep in added time to calmly side-foot the winner after Craig Noone had worked wonders to send him clear.

Albion were arguably worthy of their reward for an improved second-half performance but nerves were frayed at times on their long-awaited Championship kick-off amid a vibrant atmosphere at their new home.

Gus Poyet had already been sent to the stand for arguing when Doncaster went ahead in the 39th minute.

The hosts played themselves into trouble in midfield and Ryan Mason launched a counter raid which ended in Billy Sharp squeezing in a shot off the inside of the post as Casper Ankergren and Inigo Calderon converged.

Sharp had earlier seen a shot saved by Ankergren in just the second minute and another fly just wide as Rovers made the more composed start.

Albion should have been ahead just before that when Ashley Barnes saw his close range effort blocked by Woods.

Craig Mackail-Smith headed just over when the ball was played back into the box.

Poyet was directed to the West Stand after his vehement protests when Kazenga LuaLua was booked for allegedly diving in the 29th minute.

The boss was watching, in more contemplative mood, from the press box when Craig Noone, sent on as a half-time replacement for LuaLua, wasted a glorious chance to level in the 59th minute.

Barnes flicked Matt Sparrow's pass into the winger's path as he broke into the box but Noone then spooned his shot well wide with just the keeper to beat.

Albion had another great opening in the 80th minute when Mackail-Smith's close-range shot was saved by Woods after Buckley pulled the ball back from the byline.

Buckley, though, was to have the final words on an afternoon most of a crowd of 20,291 will cherish for years to come.