Match reports 2007/2008
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FRINGE OFFERS |
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FOOD ON FRIDAY |
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DOWNLOAD OF THE WEEK |
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| | WHAT'S ON | | | | |
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Forster at the double for Albion
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| Albion's Nicky Forster is mobbed after scoring the winner |
Albion 2, Swindon 1
A brace from Nicky Forster saw Albion come from behind to maintain their play-off challenge with victory over Swindon.
Forster struck either side of half-time after Craig Easton had given the visitors an early lead.
Manager Dean Wilkins thought long and hard about who should replace the suspended Andrew Whing at right-back.
Tommy Fraser was initially considered but it came down in the end to a choice between Gary Hart and Shane McFaul.
Hart got the nod for his first start of the season. It was a bit like old times, with another Seagulls stalwart, Kerry Mayo, continuing to deputise for the injured Matt Richards at left-back.
Racon, signed on loan from Charlton for the rest of the season, had a tall order alongside Steve Thomson in the middle of the park.
The 23-year-old Frenchman speaks English well enough to be able to converse with his new team-mates but he was still coming in to an unfamiliar environment, having not made a senior appearance since featuring for Charlton at Norwich on Boxing Day.
Although Albion have been keeping tabs on the former Marseille player for some time, they were forced to bring him in sooner than might otherwise have been the case after Adam El-Abd suffered medial knee ligament damage in the 2-1 setback at Huddersfield.
The versatile El-Abd was one of the last players Wilkins would have wanted to lose for the run-in, not least because he could easily have switched into Whing's position.
The enforced changes weighed heavily on Wilkins' mind ahead of the match. He was without three of the back four from a few weeks ago, when El-Abd was operating at centre half, and Hart had the challenging task of marking Swindon's pint-sized danger man, Anthony McNamee.
The former Watford left winger, given freedom to roam, was outstanding in the visitors' 2-2 home draw with Carlisle on their previous outing.
Wilkins' fears were given unwelcome justification by his side's hesitant start. Swindon dominated possession in the early stages and the Seagulls had already survived a couple of scares before falling behind in the eighth minute.
A corner from Michael Timlin - Thomson's future brother-in-law - was flicked on to the far post where Easton converted an angled drive which went in despite a frantic attempt by Michel Kuipers to keep it out.
Swindon's lead lasted only four minutes, Forster maintaining his rich vein of goalscoring form.
He made a run across the front of his marker to meet a free-kick from Dean Cox with a glancing header which gave Peter Brezovan, Swindon's giant Slovakian keeper, no chance.
It was the fourth game in succession that Forster has been on the score sheet and his sixth in the last seven matches.
There was no let-up in the goalmouth action in a lively first half. Both defences looked vulnerable but it was Albion creating the lion's share of the opportunities.
Forster, on target in the 3-0 victory at Swindon in December, had a header grabbed by Brezovan and volleyed over from a Cox cross, although it would have not counted as the linesman had his flag up for offside.
Brezovan distinguished himself by acrobatically tipping over Glenn Murray's header from another Cox centre and the 6ft 7ins custodian did even better with two saves in swift succession.
He got a foot to Thomson's close-range effort after Forster hooked the ball into the danger zone and, from the resulting corner, blocked Racon's low drive.
Albion's latest acquisition impressed with his energy and poise in possession.
It was in defence where Albion looked far less assured, their failure to deal with set pieces almost costing them dear once more.
They had Thomson to thank for clearing Blair Sturrock's back-header from a corner off the line and there were enough bodies in the box to block the elusive McNamee's follow-up.
The Seagulls should, nevertheless, have gone in at the interval in front on the balance of play and chances.
Frustratingly, they also began the second half rather sluggishly, McNamee and Simon Cox both failing to test Kuipers with shots wide of the target.
The momentum was regained after the Swindon defence was almost caught napping by a high cross from Racon which Cox volleyed back across the face of goal, with nobody quite able to apply the finishing touch.
It was left to Forster once more to produce the kind of quality required to prise the advantage.
His curling free-kick over the defensive wall from 20 yards midway through the second half found the net via Brezovan's right hand post.
Were you at the game? What did you think of Albion's performance? Can they reach the play-offs and what were your first impressions of Therry Racon?
4:56pm Saturday 22nd March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Drew, Burgess Hill on 6:14pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Reasonable performance in the end but far to slow getting started. Mayo just kept the long ball going whenever he got the ball at the start of the game. It was only when Racon got the ball and played some good stuff on the ground that we started to get on top. Can't believe Naylor quotes about where Racon came from, it's was a tall order etc then fails to comment on whether he had a good game or not! Frustrating to see Forster and Murray in caught offside so many times althoug some people in the crowd don't seem to know that you can't be offside direct from a goal kick!! Thought the ref was poor and should have had his book out much earlier than he did. Last but not least, Wilkins should fine Fraser for getting involved following the tackle on Hart near the end. The ref knew who the culprit and was always going to at least book him. Why Fraser then had to charge in and start barging everyone in red shirt is a mystery to all.
Well done Albion, 3 points nearer the play-offs. Shame that with all the money spent on the falmer campaign, they couldn't have spared some cash for some central heating for the South Stand!!!
Reasonable performance in the end but far to slow getting started. Mayo just kept the long ball going whenever he got the ball at the start of the game. It was only when Racon got the ball and played some good stuff on the ground that we started to get on top. Can't believe Naylor quotes about where Racon came from, it's was a tall order etc then fails to comment on whether he had a good game or not! Frustrating to see Forster and Murray in caught offside so many times althoug some people in the crowd don't seem to know that you can't be offside direct from a goal kick!! Thought the ref was poor and should have had his book out much earlier than he did. Last but not least, Wilkins should fine Fraser for getting involved following the tackle on Hart near the end. The ref knew who the culprit and was always going to at least book him. Why Fraser then had to charge in and start barging everyone in red shirt is a mystery to all.
Well done Albion, 3 points nearer the play-offs. Shame that with all the money spent on the falmer campaign, they couldn't have spared some cash for some central heating for the South Stand!!!
Posted by: mark, brighton on 6:17pm Sat 22 Mar 08
have just thawed out, great free kick, rubbish second half. racon was very good, has quality. where is mcfaul, and dixon? surely with games coming thick and fast.we only signed them two months ago? while play offs cant be discounted, i would like to see dean clear the decks and sign three quality players for next year, get promoted with the young one lynch elphick and cox having had another season. hope to see falmer started soon. and bring in more quality like forster,
have just thawed out, great free kick, rubbish second half. racon was very good, has quality. where is mcfaul, and dixon? surely with games coming thick and fast.we only signed them two months ago? while play offs cant be discounted, i would like to see dean clear the decks and sign three quality players for next year, get promoted with the young one lynch elphick and cox having had another season. hope to see falmer started soon. and bring in more quality like forster,
Posted by: Jeremy, Withdene (still cold) on 6:24pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Another great result. Well done boys. Now let's see some ENCOURAGING comments. [bold]UP THE ALBION!!!!!!![/bold]
Another great result. Well done boys. Now let's see some ENCOURAGING comments.
UP THE ALBION!!!!!!! Posted by: Big Jon, London on 7:05pm Sat 22 Mar 08
The difference is clear - this is exactly the sort of game we lost last season and now we win them. It should have been much more comfortable but I agree with earlier postings - Racon was outstanding both in his calm distribution and his tackling and physical challenges. When was the last time Mayo and Hart both started? Rolling back the years and another three points. Its miles better this season.....just. Seeaagguulllsssss!
The difference is clear - this is exactly the sort of game we lost last season and now we win them. It should have been much more comfortable but I agree with earlier postings - Racon was outstanding both in his calm distribution and his tackling and physical challenges. When was the last time Mayo and Hart both started? Rolling back the years and another three points. Its miles better this season.....just. Seeaagguulllsssss!
Posted by: Martyn on 7:17pm Sat 22 Mar 08
The difference between this season and last season is Nicky Forster!
The difference between this season and last season is Nicky Forster!
Posted by: Paul, Winchester on 7:39pm Sat 22 Mar 08
I thought it was a comfortable 3 points.Good first game from Racon, he seemed to have time on the ball in a packed midfield.Two tough away games will prove important for playoff assault. Keep going Super Seagulls
I thought it was a comfortable 3 points.Good first game from Racon, he seemed to have time on the ball in a packed midfield.Two tough away games will prove important for playoff assault. Keep going Super Seagulls
Posted by: pete, brighton on 8:31pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Given the conditions it was a decent result. After a shaky start, Hart coped well at RB. It was also the best performance I've seen so far from Thomson - I don't think its any coincidence that its the first time he's had a proper central midfielder alongside him. Racon looked very promising. We need to believe we can beat Forest on Monday - if we go for a point we will lose.
Given the conditions it was a decent result. After a shaky start, Hart coped well at RB. It was also the best performance I've seen so far from Thomson - I don't think its any coincidence that its the first time he's had a proper central midfielder alongside him. Racon looked very promising. We need to believe we can beat Forest on Monday - if we go for a point we will lose.
Posted by: Nick, Susex on 11:04pm Sat 22 Mar 08
Great game lads. Once again refusing to give up when the first goal went against us. I think we might just about scrape into the playoffs, but with possible playoff teams like Forest, Leeds, Doncaster, Carlisle etc. will be very surprised if we manage to go up. As somebody said earlier, would be great to see Lynch & co develop and then enter the championship. Thought Racon was great today. Great passing, dribbling and tackling ability, he's got everything a central midfielder needs. I'm sure he'll be playing in the premiership with Charlton in the next few years and look forward to seeing him play more! Keep it up Wilkins, more signings and performances like this, who knows where we could end up in the next few years.
Great game lads. Once again refusing to give up when the first goal went against us. I think we might just about scrape into the playoffs, but with possible playoff teams like Forest, Leeds, Doncaster, Carlisle etc. will be very surprised if we manage to go up. As somebody said earlier, would be great to see Lynch & co develop and then enter the championship. Thought Racon was great today. Great passing, dribbling and tackling ability, he's got everything a central midfielder needs. I'm sure he'll be playing in the premiership with Charlton in the next few years and look forward to seeing him play more! Keep it up Wilkins, more signings and performances like this, who knows where we could end up in the next few years.
Posted by: Tim, Eastbourne on 11:31am Sun 23 Mar 08
Everything moving in the right direction at the moment including the attendance. We seem to have won back 1,500+ supporters, despite so many home games recently. I am hearing negative undercurrents re.Cox and Murray. Does anyone keep statistics about Cox's assists this season? The answer might reveal his true worth. Forster is on fire and I am sure that the partnership between the two is instrumental. Murray is going through a similar spell as Forster recently. Be patient - I think there's something special about him and he will come good
Everything moving in the right direction at the moment including the attendance. We seem to have won back 1,500+ supporters, despite so many home games recently. I am hearing negative undercurrents re.Cox and Murray. Does anyone keep statistics about Cox's assists this season? The answer might reveal his true worth. Forster is on fire and I am sure that the partnership between the two is instrumental. Murray is going through a similar spell as Forster recently. Be patient - I think there's something special about him and he will come good
Posted by: mark, brighton on 11:45am Sun 23 Mar 08
would love to be fly on wall in hammonds house!! oh and why has no one mentioned savage? the reason we did not sign him was he was rubbish, can you imagine that donkey in the championship? lets hope mcfaul and dixon are going to make a impact soon. injuries are coming thick and fast.
would love to be fly on wall in hammonds house!! oh and why has no one mentioned savage? the reason we did not sign him was he was rubbish, can you imagine that donkey in the championship? lets hope mcfaul and dixon are going to make a impact soon. injuries are coming thick and fast.
Posted by: josh, home on 2:53pm Sun 23 Mar 08
Savage scored on sat thats 2 in 3 not bad for a rubbish player, not his fault he had a sh*& agent, just because hes not at Brighton anymore doesnt automatically make him a sh*& player! Great result yesterday, clearly looked tired second half but still managed to grind out a result! Bring on the Play Offs!
Savage scored on sat thats 2 in 3 not bad for a rubbish player, not his fault he had a sh*& agent, just because hes not at Brighton anymore doesnt automatically make him a sh*& player! Great result yesterday, clearly looked tired second half but still managed to grind out a result! Bring on the Play Offs!
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