Brighton came back from a woeful first half performance to gain a 1-1 draw at mid table Colchester.
Brighton had the chance to parade themselves infront of the sky cameras, but produced a shaky performance like the team from 2 years ago.
Colchester scored in comical fashion, when Ankergren spilled a tame shot from O’Toole into the path of Tommy Elphick.
Elphick then tried to clear the ball out for a corner but the ball hit Calderon on the back, and rolled towards the empty Brighton goal.
Caldeorn got back to stop the ball on the line, but then passed the ball along the goal line for Henderson to tap in.
Brighton never got out of first gear, with passes going astray, mistakes being made all over the pitch and lack of commuincation apparent through out.
The only shining light was Craig Noone, who’s dribbles excited the travelling away fans.
Very few chances were created, apart from an open goal missed by Henderson, as it ended 1-1 at half time.
Brighton finally got going in the second half, creating a host of chances for Barnes and Wood in particular. All the chances were made of hash of, but the pressure was building.
Finally the Colchester defence was breached. A ball down the wing by Dicker was chased down by Bennett, who managed to swivel and put in a low cross for Barnes to volley home from close range.
Noone became more of a threat as the game went on, unlocking the Colchester defence time after time. He crossed for an Elphick header, which was Brighton’s only meaningful other effort on goal.
Player Ratings
Casper Ankergren
5
Inigo Calderon
5
Lewis Dunk
5
Tommy Elphick
6
Marcos Painter
6
Elliott Bennett
6
Gary Dicker
5
Alan Navarro
6
Craig Noone
7
Ashley Barnes
7
Chris Wood
5
Peter Brezovan
6
