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Becs show their class: Leeds 3 - 1 Brighton
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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WHILE Becks of England awaited his cameo role against Kazakhstan, the Becs of Leeds ran riot against the Albion.
Luciano Becchio and Jermaine Beckford gave Tommy Elphick and Colin Hawkins a torrid time at Elland Road.
A goal apiece for the Leeds front pair and bookings for Albion's central defensive duo told the story of the first half.
Removing Hawkins from the fray at half-time was a sort of kindness more akin to putting down a wounded animal.
In truth he was lucky he made it to the half-time whistle because the referee could so easily have shown him red for the number of infringements the Irishman was guilty of as he struggled even to get close to the skilful and pacy Leeds forwards.
It was no surprise to see Adam Virgo drop back into Hawkins' position after the break - and he saw yellow for a virtually identical kind of foul inflicted by his colleagues.
If the class of the Becs was too hot for Albion to handle, so was the midfield prompting of Fabian Delph who was the architect of all that was so good about Leeds.
If Robbie Savage looked at the fixture list before he put pen to paper on his month's loan to Brighton, he would presumably have been licking his lips at the prospect of performing on the Elland Road stage. The shame was he didn't - and he was upstaged by the exquisite Delph.
In fact the only credit that Savage emerged with was his trotting over to the away fans' corner during the pre-match kick-about to pose for a picture with some enthusiastic Albion lads who had gone out of their way to don long-blond-haired wigs in tribute to the Welsh midfielder.
On the pitch, Savage did well to avoid the baiting of the crowd and several Leeds players, but his footballing contribution was minimal.
In fact, the killer second Leeds goal came direct from his failure to get a shot away in the Leeds penalty area, the ball being pinged straight down their left for a pinpoint cross which Beckford buried with a stunning header in off the underside of the bar.
It came in first half injury time only a minute or so after the Leeds opener from Becchio, whose initial shot was well blocked by Andy Whing. While Albion's beleaguered defenders watched, Becchio reacted quickest to smash home the rebound.
At least Adams reacted positively at half time in removing Hawkins from the action, along with David Livermore, who had also been booked and was another lucky not to have seen red.
The only trouble was, by Adams' own admission after the game, their replacements didn't do the job they were put on the pitch to do - namely get into wide positions and put in crosses. At least Kevin Thornton got on the ball and did some neat foraging on the right side, combining fairly well with Joe Anyinsah and Whing. But none of his work caused any damage. On the other flank, Dean Cox barely touched the ball and, frankly, didn't look too interested in getting involved either.
Anyinsah's pace and hard work gave Leeds some problems to handle but Glenn Murray was often too isolated up front with very little support around him.
His injury time strike was consolation for a tough afternoon - both for player and fans alike. He certainly dispatched it with aplomb having shaken off the attention of a couple of defenders.
Sadly, by then Albion were dead and buried after another horrendous late-in-the-game defensive lapse when Kuipers completely lost his head, careered way off his line to try to play sweeper on the edge of the penalty area and Beckford rounded him easily before calmly burying the ball into the net to give Leeds a 3-0 advantage.
To be honest, if Beckford in particular and Leeds in general had been more clinical rather than sitting comfortably on their 2-0 half-time cushion, Albion could - and probably should - have been buried out of sight.
It could quite easily have been 5-0 by the time Beckford struck again, such was Leeds' domination.
Obviously the atmosphere generated by a crowd of more than 22,700 was amazing for a League One fixture, but it would be a great surprise to me if Albion return to play at Elland Road next season. Leeds surely won't blow their chance to escape the division this time round. Albion have got it all to do if they have any hope of joining them.
Albion player ratings (marks out of 10):
Kuipers - 5,
Whing - 7,
Elphick - 4,
Hawkins - 3,
Richards - 6,
Anyinsah - 7,
Virgo - 6,
Thomson - 7,
Savage - 5,
Livermore - 4,
Murray - 7.
Subs:
Thornton - 6,
Cox - 3.
Nick Turrell
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Another year of wet and windy Withdean!
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Thursday, October 02, 2008
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And so there will be yet another year to endure of wet and windy Withdean with its soulless atmosphere and dreadful vantage points.
The news today that it will be 2011 before Brighton run out at their new stadium at Falmer must surely send a shudder down the frozen spines of most hardy Albion followers - especially as it has been accompanied by the most extraordinary spin from Dick Knight and Martin Perry that it is actually "good news" because a contractor has been appointed and work will soon get under way.
What will be the feelings of Micky Adams and all those players he's convinced to join because of the impending move to Falmer?
And when the club applied for an extension to the planning permission to use Withdean, we were told it was all just a routine matter to allow time for the place to be converted back to how it was in 1999.
Now, lo and behold, oops, perhaps the real reason was for its ongoing use for Albion home matches.
And what about all those people persuaded to buy two-year season tickets because the season after they would get deliverance to the promised land?
Would it be considered way too cynical to suggest the landing of Robbie Savage on a month's loan was a shrewd public relations ploy designed to soften the blow which the powers-that-be knew they were about to deliver to Albion's seriously-disillusioned followers?
Maybe the pressure is now off Adams to get the club back in the Championship quite as quickly as he had planned to?
Nick TurrellLabels: Falmer, News 08-09, Nick Turrell
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Brighton 7 - 5 Man City (Inc. Penalties!)
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
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Brighton made up for their poor performance on Saturday with an amazing game at home against Manchester City. Fernandes Gelson scored in the 63rd minute but Glenn Murray got the equaliser two minutes before time. Brighton 1 - 1 Man City.
Joe Anyinsah scored just four minutes into extra time from 12 yeards out but couldn't quite hang onto the lead with Man City's Stephen Ireland scoring with 12 minutes to go. Brighton 2 - 2 Man City.
David Livermore scored the first penalty for Brighton, followed by Tommy Elphick, Glenn Murray and Adam Virgo. Man City's Michael Ball had his penalty saved by Kuipers, and Matthew Richards sealed the deal scoring the final penalty, and final goal of the night.
Final score, Brighton 7 - 5 Man City...
And top story on BBC Sport!
 Labels: Carling Cup, David Snowball, Man City
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Inexcusable dross! Brighton 0 - 1 Walsall
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Sunday, September 21, 2008
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When 11 players have just under an hour to try to beat nine there is no excuse for failure.
Albion's 1-0 capitulation to Walsall was nothing short of inept and culpability for the defeat ran throughout the team, but, equally, if the players weren't capable, what instructions were coming from the coaching staff?
It was blindingly obvious to those of us watching that Brighton just needed to stretch Walsall by getting players wide on both sides and in behind the two replacement full-backs.
As Brighton laid siege to Walsall's penalty area in the second half, there was little or no variation to any of the many crosses slung in - all came from the easy, deep angle - whether from Cox and Richards on the left or Hart, then Robinson, on the right.
In fact, the only truly decent chance came when Hart did manage to deliver a cross that cut straight across the back line rather than being angled forward, and Glenn Murray's susbsequent header unluckily hit the bar.
Every high ball lofted into the penalty area was a perfect gift for the giant Clayton Ince in Walsall's goal.It was just so simple for him.
Why was there no variation?
Micky Adams admitted in his post-match interview that the shortcomings he has been concerned about were all too evident - and perhaps the answer to the inept wing play lay in the fact that left-sided Kevin McLeod was out injured and right-sided Joe Anyinsah was suspended.
With the exception of the one cross mentioned above, Hart was certainly a very poor replacement on the right. His re-signing along with Mayo was obviously one of Adams' first mistakes. Robinson isn't a winger but at least he's got pace.
Nicky Forster has been tremendous but clearly wasn't fit, so why did he start?
Oh, yes, I've realised: his replacement was Jonny Dixon. Please, please can we cut our losses and just move him on. He clearly hasn't got it at this level, as was shown once again when he eventually came on as a substitute.
Adam Virgo is a centre back or perhaps a right back, but we've got a decent player in that position in Andrew Whing. Virgo does not have a good enough first touch to be either a central midfield player or a striker. His effort and workrate can't be faulted, but it's not enough if we want to progress.
What are Steve Thomson's attributes? Could someone please explain?
It is clear to me that Forster and Murray will score goals if they receive the right service but yesterday the midfield had insufficient quality in all four positions and the only alternative approach comes from hit-it-and-hope lumps forward from the back.
Frankly, it's depressing. And in a tough, economic climate, just not worth the hefty expense.Labels: League One, Nick Turrell, Walsall
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Withdean the clinching factor in Robinho signing for Manchester City!
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
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Was the prospect of playing at the Withdean the clinching factor in Brazilian international Robinho signing for Manchester City?
For that astonishing prospect now spices up an already eagerly-awaited League Cup contest on September 24.
The former Real Madrid star striker, used to gracing the surroundings of the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, could run out at our humble converted athletics stadium in front of the sort of crowd which probably used to gather for a training session in Spain.
How must Tommy Elphick be feeling as he contemplates arguably the most challenging game of his life?
It's probably fair to say we shouldn't make too many plans for the possibility of facing Derby County in the next round!Labels: Nick Turrell
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Adams dilemma over Virgo?
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
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A THRILLING first league win at Southend for 34 years restored the
faith which was dented by the below par draw against Bristol Rovers.
A battling performance in many senses was topped off by clinical
finishes from each of our star strikers, and we were ideally
positioned close behind the north goal at Roots Hall to see the steely
determination, poise and control from first Glenn Murray and then
Nicky Forster as they notched their goals.
Seeing Murray and former Seagull Alex Revell on the same pitch invited
comparison between the two and it's my belief Brighton did brilliantly
to obtain £150,000 for Revell, considering they bought him for around
£35,000.
Murray is a far better player, with better movement, awareness and
finishing.
It was perhaps poetic justice that a first half Revell shot came back
off the post with Kuipers beaten, especially after an early unsavoury
incident between the two former team-mates when Revell thundered into
Kuipers with studs up when the goalkeeper had clearly already claimed
the ball.
Referee Jarmal Singh clearly pondered a straight red for Revell but
decided to brandish yellow instead while Kuipers also went into the
book for his aggressive response.
The turning point of the game came when Singh did wave a red, at
Southend midfielder Moussa, for a nasty-looking lunge into Virgo's
groin area.
From that moment on, halfway through the second half, Brighton had
more time and space on the ball and began to dictate play in a way
they hadn't previously.
Manager Micky Adams has a dilemma on his hands similar in nature to
England boss Fabio Capello's.
Adams has declared his wholehearted support for Adam Virgo and has
pretty much said he'll always find him a place in the team. But in
what position?
Central midfield can't surely be his long-term starting place? It's
been brilliant that he has scored three goals already, but it's also
apparent that he lacks the finesse, agility and passing ability to
permanently anchor the midfield.
Elphick and Hawkins look solid at centre back at the moment - they
again did well at Roots Hall with Elphick in particular heroically
heading one goalbound effort off the line with Kuipers beaten.
And Andy Whing is looking secure at right back. Murray has already
missed a game (Bristol Rovers) - and boy did we miss him - but
mistakenly Hart rather than Virgo took his place in the forward line
until later in the game.
Of course it is a long haul and, as we know and are reminded often, it
is a squad game. But central midfield is an area crying out for some
creativity, someone to put their foot on the ball and play the right
passes, either out wide or for Murray and Forster to run onto. David
Livermore might provide part of the answer. Steve Thomson is more a
Charlie Oatway than a Richard Carpenter. And, inspirational though he
is, I don't believe Virgo is the answer in that position.
Perhaps a surprise is waiting for us as the transfer window prepares
to clang shut next Monday.
One final thought from Southend: credit to former Albion full back Dan
Harding. OK, he left the club in controversial circumstances which
meant large sections of the travelling fans booed his every touch of
the ball. But he didn't let the abuse get to him and was arguably
Southend's best player on the night, peppering the Albion goalmouth
with dangerous balls and having one thunderous volley well saved by
Kuipers. He looked a better player than when he played at Withdean and
it wouldn't surprise me if he won back his place at Ipswich.Labels: Nick Turrell
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Match Report: Crewe 1 - 2 Brighton
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Monday, August 11, 2008
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It was a half decent performance yesterday but we weren't up against much to be honest. We started off well, pressing well up the pitch and getting lots of crosses into the box. Unfortunately, most of the play was coming down our right which meant that Cox planted most crosses straight onto the head of one of their defenders.
Although we had lots of the ball we weren't making many chances and Calvin Zola should have scored with an easy header from a free kick while our defence were still getting to know each other. Virgo was looking lost in midfield as he doesn't have quick enough feet or enough mobility to properly fill that position. However, the one plus that he does have is his height, especially when getting forward which, in the end, led to the first goal. Mickey Adams switched McLeod to the right and the first time he had a chance to get a decent cross in resulted in it going straight to Virgo who made no mistake.
My Crewe supporting mate was in their main stand and said he was right in line with Virgo and he reckoned he was off side but there were no complaints from the players and the goal stood. Virgo did improve as the game went on but largely because he was given time on the ball. Once he gets someone snapping at him all game (like Thomson did covering for him) then I feel that he will look out of his depth in midfield.
We went in at half time fully deserving the lead and continued after the break.
We were all over Crewe in the second half and hit the bar and post and had numerous scrambles in front of goal. Not getting a second goal looked like it may cost us and after they bought on Elding up front we started sitting back and letting Crewe play as we started to look a bit tired. Sure enough they got Calvin Zola through and he finished well past Kuipers who had had little to do other than punch out a few crosses.
The Crewe jinx looked like it would continue but Forster got away right at the end and gave their keeper no chance with a great left foot shot into the corner - cue rapturous scenes in the far corner of the ground.
New boys Hawkins and McLeod both looked like good acquisitions, Thomson had a good game in midfield as did Whing at the back and Foster up front.
We shouldn't get carried away as Crewe won't have much of a season if they play like that all the time but it was good to see an accomplished performance and gives a good start to the campaign.
Player Ratings
Kuipers - 6
Whing - 8
Elphick - 7
Hawkins - 8
Richards - 7
Cox - 6
Thomson - 9
Virgo - 7
McLeod - 8
Forster - 8
Murray - 7Labels: Colin Snowball, Crewe, League One
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