Brighton and Hove Albion manager Chris Hughton took full advantage of today’s behind closed doors friendly when it came to getting some players needed match minutes in pre-season.
📸 After a busy summer at the @FIFAWorldCup – Albion's number one made his first appearance of pre-season this morning.
👍 Great to see you back @MatyRyan.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/3G2g8jKwhH
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 24, 2018
Having returned to training following his World Cup duty with Australia, goalkeeper Maty Ryan was back between the sticks to get 51 minutes under his belt and Yves Bissouma also started the game for his non-competitive debut following his arrival the other week.
Given the weather conditions, the game was split into three 25-minute periods and Portsmouth did open the scoring through Brett Pitman. Anthony Knockaert levelled matters up though and it was another good run out as preparations continue ahead of the coming 2018/19 Premier League season. Final score 1-1.
📸 A few snaps of the new man in action this morning.
👌 @Yves_Bissouma pulled on an Albion shirt for the first time against @officialpompey.#BHAFC 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/Ojh5hQRL9q
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) July 24, 2018
A different group will travel to The Valley later this evening for the friendly against Charlton Athletic and it’s likely to be another mixed group given Hughton’s earlier words about how he wanted to use today from a planning perspective.
Brighton (4-1-4-1):
Ryan (Keto 51), Schelotto, Duffy, White, Bong (Gyokeres 51), Knockaert, Bissouma (Mandriou 51), Kyal, Suttner, Norwood, Hemed (Collar 51).
Goals – Knockaert (67).
Subs not used:
Moore, Towell, Davies.
Portsmouth (4-4-2):
MacGillivray (McGee 51), Thompson (Smith 51), Whatmough (Burgess 51), Clarke (Casey 51), Brown (Dennis 51), Lowe (Chaplin 51), Naylor (May 51), Walkes (Rose 51), Haunstrup, Pitman, Curtis (Hawkins 51).
Goals – Pitman (51).
Subs not used:
Flint, Lethbridge.