The seagulls picked up their third consecutive draw with this battling display against league leaders Scunthorpe. The Iron were unbeaten since September on the road prior to the game but failed to live up to the hype as they produced a pretty average performance. But that’s not to discredit the Albion who put in an excellent performance full of energy and passion.
Apart from a slightly shaky start, Guy Butters lead the defence with excellent control and ably assisted by Joel Lynch, kept the division’s leading marksman, Billy Sharp quiet, and he quickly vented his frustration on everyone and everything. So after 64 minutes of keeping Sharp quiet, his strike partner Jermaine Beckford turned in the box and coolly finished past Scott Flinders. To say it was against the run of play is huge understatement. The home team were dominant throughout with Cox raiding down the right flank and Bertin and Hammond dominating midfield throughout.
Both Bas Savage and Alex Revell worked hard and Savage was rewarded with a great move that he was able to finish with aplomb. The pair linked up well as Revell beat the defender in the air and knocked down for the big man to lift over the head of the Scunthorpe ‘keeper. The goal gave the seagulls a huge boost, having slightly lost their way after so cruelly conceding.
There was still time for more drama when Scunthorpe first looked like they may sneak a winner and then had a player sent off. Goal scorer Beckford managed to get through one – on – one with Flinders who saved well with his legs. Then with Albion launching a move through substitute Gatting, Matt Sparrow launched into a tackle that could easily have broken his leg. He was miles over the ball and seemingly had no intention of winning it.
A draw was by no means a fair result, admitted so by each manager, yet the Albion can be proud of their performances and points gathering over one of the division’s top sides. There is certainly a lot of promise for next season if the seagulls continue to perform like they did on Saturday. The spine of the team is starting to take shape with; Butters & Lynch – Bertin & Hammond and Bas Savage all playing well and working together successfully. In Bertin and Hammond, I believe we have found a central midfield partnership that can blossom into one of the best in the league. Bertin is happy to sit back and pass across the pitch while Hammond can run up and down and benefit both penalty areas. With 3-4 investments in the summer – A left back, right back, left winger and that elusive goal scorer – we will stand a good chance of challenging at the top.
So come on Dick Knight lets see, Dean Wilkins, Ian Chapman, Alexis Bertin and others gives contracts so they are not poached by championship sides.
Player ratings:
Flinders: Solid game, some peculiar drops of the ball but distribution was decent. 6
El –Abd: Was immense in the tackle and lead well from his unfamiliar left back spot. 8
Butters: Struggled with Sharp’s pace and movement early on, but recovered to dominate and lead the defence. 8
Lynch: Likewise to Butters, is improving with every game. 8
O’Ceaurill: Played adequately at full back – but again looked uncomfortable. 6
Bertin: Strong in the tackle, great passer, good positional play and experienced. Sign Him Up!!! 8
Hammond: Like Bertin, he won’t shirk a tackle and can run from box-to-box and be a menace in both. Has added goals to his game and always looks threatening. 8
Cox: Lively down the right side and showed great character with tackling and crossing. 7
Robinson: Made some good runs from deep and is useful as a third attacker as he very hard to pick up with his size and pace. 6
Savage: A constant thorn in the opposition with his awkward stature and strength. Took goal well and great dance moves. 8
Revell: No lack of endeavour but lacking match sharpness that will only come with games. Could do with a goal for his confidence. 6
Subs:
Gatting: Seemed a little odd that he came on instead of Elder and did little in the short time he was on. 5
RHYS TURRELLLabels: League One, Rhys Turrell, Scunthorpe
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