Albion sneak through

Football certainly can be a game of two halves and The Seagulls proved that statement this evening with what can be described as a slightly fortunate victory against League One strugglers Cheltenham Town.

There were further changes to the side for this game. Andrew Whing was back in the side replacing the injured Tommy Elphick, with Adam El-Abd slotting into a centre back spot alongside Guy Butters. Jake Robinson also replaced David Martot who was dropped to the bench.

Brighton made a superb start to the game despite there being a sparsely populated crowd and a silent atmosphere in what can only be described as a rainswept November evening at the mainly uncovered Withdean Stadium.

Our early domination was rewarded with 18 minutes gone when Adam El-Abd headed Dean Cox’s corner in to record his first goal of the season.

But the lead could and should have been more by half time as we enjoyed huge amounts of possession and attacking build up play, but failed to convert any chances that failed our way. But you have to applaud the football that was played by us as at times it was of a very high standard and from the stands it was almost like watching a training / exhibition game rather than an FA Cup tie.

During the second half though Albion began to play more cautiously although we still were the side who were pressing forward more. A clever freekick routine shortly into the half by us played through Jake Robinson but an unconfident finish mixed with great reactions by Robins goalkeeper Shane Higgs denied us doubling our lead as he made a good save from 8 yards out.

The brave Cheltenham fans in the East Stand had something to shout about on 63 minutes though as we were made to pay for not putting the game to bed. Steve Gillespie was put straight through and calmly took the ball round Michel Kuipers before smashing the ball home to equalise for the Robins.

But they weren’t level for long as just two minutes later Nicky Forster was put straight through on goal but was brought down in the box by Gavin Caines who may consider himself lucky only to have been given a yellow card as i’ve seen red cards given for less. Dean Hammond stepped up for the spot kick and smashed it into the bottom left corner to restore our lead.

Brighton started to play with caution again and we nearly paid for it once more. Alan Wright’s corner was met by Dave Bird’s header which hit the underside of the post and from the rebound his shot came off Adam Connolly and into the net – only for the linesman to somehow signal for him to have been in an offside position.

It was a very, very lucky escape for us but if you look at the game as a whole there is no doubt we were deserved of the win, but tonight could have been a completely different story if we didn’t have luck on our side. We must start to put these games to bed and start scoring during periods of good attacking play.