Manager Chris Hughton has reflected on a professional performance by Brighton in this weekend’s FA Cup clash against MK Dons.
Speaking to the Official Site in his post game press conference after making eleven changes to the side that faced Fulham on Monday, Hughton was obviously delighted to see those come in put in a good and professional performance to take the win over our League One opposition.
A goal in minute nine from Beram Kayal, followed by a Tomer Hemed effort on minute 72 tied up the two nil victory to book our place in the fourth round draw later this evening, and Hughton was suitably pleased with the showing on the day.
‘I thought we were worthy winners and started the game very well. We had a difficult period in the second half of the first half, but we were up against a good side. The most pleasing thing was how we finished the game strongly. We capitalised on the spaces and probably could have had another couple of goals towards the end.’
With so many changes, Hughton went on to say.
‘It`s even more pleasing when you do that and win the game. Some will look at how we rested the 11 that played in the last game, but it really is about competition. It`s about getting players back from injury and pushing them into the team. When we have that level of competition, these games really matter.’
With Kayal coming back from his long term injury in the game, he came in for particular praise from the gaffer as he spoke.
‘I thought it was a really good strike, but the fact he came through 70 minutes unscathed was more important. He`ll rest and recover for the next couple of days and then go again. For us, we want as many players fit as possible, especially when they`re of Beram`s quality. So for him to come back and look as sharp as he did, that`s testament to the work that he`s done.’
He went on to say.
‘We`d probably have liked him to have played another game before today, but that hasn`t been possible. The level of competition in our division is very high, so we know that we`ve got to be able to compete. We`re now going into what we believe to be the tougher part of the season and you want your best players available, and today showed that he`s on his way.’
With another clean sheet from the game as well, there was praise for the defence as well as Richie Towell who put in another strong showing.
‘They both put in solid performances (Uwe Huenemeier and Connor Goldson). They were part of a team that didn`t concede and if you`re a centre-half, that`s almost the job done. I thought he was very good (Towell). He`s a fit lad, hasn`t had the games he`d have liked, got a whack towards the end, but I thought he covered a really good distance today.’
